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UI investigates Use of Baby Monitor to Eavesdrop on Employees

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — The University of Iowa has launched an investigation after employees at a medical clinic complained their supervisors hid a baby monitor to eavesdrop on them.

John Stellmach, president of a union that represents university employees, said Department of Urology workers discovered the monitor hidden on a shelf near a reception area on Monday. He says it would have picked up chatter by five secretaries and clerical workers.

Stellmach says managers explained the monitor was being used to determine whether secretaries were chatting too much and it was removed after they complained. He says employees feel their privacy was violated by the monitoring, which may have also picked up confidential medical information.

UI Vice President for Strategic Communication Tysen Kendig said Tuesday that human resources officials are leading the investigation.