Is this not illegal?

aimeeandbeatles

watermelon
Joined
Apr 5, 2007
Messages
20,099
What do you all think of schoolboard censorship?

Here is what I wrote about it. It's more of a rant than anything:

Spoiler :
My school board blocks message boards/forums. Well, I was reading their internet use policy. Nothing about forums.

Spoiler :
CHIGNECTO-CENTRAL REGIONAL SCHOOL BOARD

POLICY #B-11
INTERNET AND E-MAIL USE (EMPLOYEES / BOARD MEMBERS) GUIDELINES
A. Introduction:

1. Chignecto-Central Regional School Board’s computer system (the “Board’s Computer System”) includes all technology, infrastructure, hardware, software and equipment capable of processing electronic data, including desktop and laptop computers, cell phones, blackberry-like devices, printers, scanners and the like.

2. A CCRSB computer at all times remains the property of CCRSB. Each computer is routed through the Board’s centralized server, which maintains a permanent record of all website visits and e-mails of each computer.

3. Authorized Computer Services personnel of the Board have access to all passwords and all such permanently stored data. Deleted files or records of website visits are recoverable from the Board’s server. There can be no expectation of privacy when using the Board’s Computer System.

4. Websites inappropriate to Board related functions and values (including sexually explicit and pornographic websites) are the major source of computer viruses which detrimentally affect the functioning of both the individual computer and the Board’s entire server system. In order to identify the source of and responsibility for such viruses, the Board’s Computer Services personnel may be required to retrieve and reconstruct data to document inappropriate uses of the Internet and/or e-mail. The results of such investigations will be reported to appropriate authorities within the Board. When there are reasonable grounds to believe that criminal conduct may have occurred, matters may also be referred to police authorities.

5. Inappropriate use of Board computers causes significant repair costs and may expose Computer Services personnel to materials that may be considered offensive. CCRSB is committed to minimizing such adverse consequences by enforcing strict accountability for unauthorized use of the Board’s Computer System.

B. Prohibited Uses of the Board’s Computer System:

1. Use of the Board’s Computer System for the following activities is prohibited:

* receiving, transmitting, retrieving or storing of any communications of a defamatory, discriminatory or harassing nature;

* messages or materials that to the reasonable person would be considered obscene, sexually explicit or x-rated;

* messages or materials with derogatory or inflammatory remarks about an individual’s race, age, disability, religion, national or ethnic origin, physical attributes or sexual preferences;

* harassment of any kind;

* disparaging, abusive, profane or offensive language or materials that would reasonably reflect negatively upon the user or CCRSB;

* any and all illegal activities, including invasion of privacy, extortion, blackmail, copyright infringement or unauthorized access to third party computers, websites or servers;

o gambling of any kind;

o • operation of any type of business unconnected to employment with CCRSB;
* soliciting money for personal gain;

* sending chain e-mails; and/or,

* engaging in any activity in violation of local, provincial or federal laws.

C. Personal Accountability:

1. Each authorized user of the Board’s Computer System is responsible for the content of all data that is accessed by, stored on or transmitted over the Board’s Computer system. Each authorized user is responsible for access granted to unauthorized users, including family and friends.
D. CCRSB’s Right to Monitor and Consequences:

1. The Board’s Computer System and all stored data remain the property of CCRSB. CCRSB reserves the right to intercept, monitor, examine, record, copy, audit or inspect any and all data and uses related to any or all components of the Board’s Computer System. No user is entitled to privacy or confidentiality. All e-mail messages are considered permanent business records and may be subject to Court ordered disclosure in the event of litigation.

2. In the event of accidental breach of this Policy, the authorized user is required to immediately report such inadvertent usage to Computer Services personnel, who shall be responsible for repairing any damage or removing any inappropriate data. Innocent error will not attract penal consequences.

3. For any authorized user who is an Employee of the Board, disciplinary action for violation of this policy and/or guidelines may include, but is not limited to, termination, suspension, transfer or demotion. In cases involving less serious violations, disciplinary action may consist of a warning or reprimand. Future access to the Board’s Computer System may be denied. Remedial action may include counseling, changes in work assignments or other measures designed to prevent future misconduct. The measure of discipline shall correspond to the gravity of the offence, including considerations such as the potential or actual impact on CCRSB and its other employees.

E. User Agreement:

1. Employees using the CCRSB computer system are required to read and sign the attached Internet and E-mail User Agreement and submit the signed agreement to their immediate supervisor.

2. Board members using the CCRSB computer system are required to read and sign the attached Internet and E-mail User Agreement and submit the signed agreement to the Superintendent of Schools.

3. The employee’s immediate supervisor and/or the Superintendent of Schools is required to file the original copy of the signed agreement and provide a photocopy of the signed agreement to the employee or Board member.

“POP-UP” NOTICE

Employees and Board members are advised that the following “Pop-up” notice will be displayed on all CCRSB owned computers, and should be read carefully by all employees and Board members using CCRSB computers.

“This computer is the property of Chignecto-Central Regional School Board (CCRSB). It connects to the Board’s centralized server, which maintains a permanent record of all website visits and e-mails, regardless of localized deletion on this computer. Users have no expectation of privacy. Where circumstances warrant, CCRSB reserves the right to have its authorized personnel monitor, intercept, record, copy or inspect any and all uses of its computers and related equipment. Law enforcement agencies may also be provided access where circumstances warrant.

By pressing OK, you accept responsibility for proper use of this computer in accordance with CCRSB policy #B-11, Internet / E-mail Use (Employees) and Internet / E-mail Use Guidelines; a copy of which can be found at www.ccrsb.ednet.ns.ca


Tell me where it says message board. Not only that, but I thought there was a law saying that the government could not interfere with freedom of information/speech, or maybe I am getting confused again.

I don't think it's fair that I'm not allowed -- I only go on at lunchtimes, when I don't have to study. Ironic that they call it 'free time'.

Also, I need to know whats going on with WilburyMania!... it's a very active messageboard. I only have three staff members -- one goes to school as well, and the other is nocturnal.
 
The reason schools block forums is because if they didn't, children would use them instead of working. That internet use policy doesn't say anything about games, either, but I'll bet you my right arm that those are blocked as well.

Recommendation: Hire another staff member at WilburyMania.
 
Tell me where it says message board. Not only that, but I thought there was a law saying that the government could not interfere with freedom of information/speech, or maybe I am getting confused again.
Certain forms of speech are protected, IIRC, not all; such as political speech. Remember, the school acts as a surrogate parent when you're there and have the responsibilities thereof.
 
I don't like it, but that's only because CFC is blocked at my school.

You're supposed to be bloody working and studying, not hang around on #fiftychat! :p


...I say as I procrastinate going to school...
 
"A CCRSB computer at all times remains the property of CCRSB." In other words, they can block any site they want, because you're using their system.

And Aimee, you're right, there is a law like that - the First Amendment. However, minors have some parts of the Bill of Rights restricted where it applies to them (mostly in schools), for their own good.
 
You don't need to be a minor or IN school for that matter all you need to be is a pupil (at school): the supreme court does believe it is right to restrict freedom of speech for students, like in [wiki=Morse_v._Frederick]this case[/wiki]... Also: If you are doing stuff on school property and they allow you to do it - they might be held accountable if something bad happens - so they'll probably preemptively block anything that might be construed as dangerous for kids...
 
It's intended to enforce a good work ethic.
 
I don't see anything wrong with it. Every school has that policy. Your whining about nothing.
 
It's not illegal, but I agree it is immoral.
 
There are always ways round the system as well ;)
 
double post
 
Oh, they blocked the proxies. Of course.
 
Yes but some of them can be access, because the blocker doesn't recongise the site as a proxy site, it just takes a while to find one.

Another trick is when you get an email telling you you have a private message here, you can use the link in the email to get into the forums themselves, doesn't always work though.
 
If you expect a world of freedom from censorship handed to you by a government organization, I pity thee.

Private schools are the answer to dumb questions; there are dumb questions and only one answer to them.
 
Its the school board's computer, and they block what the want, just like you could.
 
It's not illegal, and it's not censorship.

And I hate censorship as much as anyone ever could.
 
My school had a similar policy. It didn't say anything about blocking game sites, yet most of them were blocked.

Though a select few students had a way around his system. We got the password his assistants used, so basically we had admin rights everywhere.
 
It's not illegal, and it's not censorship.

And I hate censorship as much as anyone ever could.

I would say that it's not illegal, and it's censorship by definition.
 
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