The student media organization of California State University Northridge

Daily Sundial

The student media organization of California State University Northridge

Daily Sundial

The student media organization of California State University Northridge

Daily Sundial

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Is there any reason to frisk children at airport security checkpoints?

On April 12, a video surfaced on YouTube of a 6-year-old girl getting a security pat-down by a Transportation Security Administration officer at New Orleans’ Louis Armstrong International Airport.
A week earlier, an 8-year-old boy was given a full pat-down at a security checkpoint at Portland International Airport.
After a public outcry questioning their actions, TSA officials have said that in both incidents, the officers were following proper protocol.
In response to the New Orleans incident, Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-UT) wrote a letter to TSA Administrator John S. Pistole, claiming the agency violated its policy that prohibits pat-downs being conducted on children under the age of 13.  However, TSA spokesman, Nick Kimball, said there is no such policy.
While some view the pat-downs as unnecessary, others think an exception might create a security loophole that terrorists can exploit.
Do you think small children should be exempt from TSA pat-downs?

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