University of Memphis officials removed the locks on the bathroom doors in the suites in Richardson Towers and South Hall over the summer. Students were recently notified by e-mail of the changes to the locks.
Danny Armitage, assistant vice president of student affairs and campus services, said the locks were replaced in June with a plain door knob in an effort to meet fire and building code regulations.
"Prior to the change, we consulted with lots of universities who have moved to this lock arrangement, and they did not see any significant increase in crime or theft because of this," he said.
Armitage said the previous locks on the doors were not in violation of any codes, as they were built at a time when the regulations for locks were different. However, he said The U of M frequently updates buildings to keep up with current code regulations.
Armitage said he could not comment on whether or not the changes to the locks were a result of the death of Joseph Liner, who was found dead in his Richardson Towers dorm room over Christmas break in 2009.
Liner was electrocuted after reportedly locking himself in his dorm bathroom and trying to crawl out through the ceiling.
