Internet
Filtering, Board Policy #4275
(Adopted 6/14/2004)
The Board recognizes the importance of providing
students with positive, productive educational experiences
through the District’s Internet services. To
the extent practical, the Board directs the Superintendent
or designee to:
-
Prevent user access over the District
computer network to, or transmission of, inappropriate
material via Internet, electronic mail, or other
forms of direct electronic communications;
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Prevent unauthorized access and
other unlawful online activity;
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Prevent unauthorized online disclosure,
use, or dissemination of personal identification
information of minors; and
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Comply with federal and state
laws.
To the extent practical, technology protection measures
(or “Internet filters”) shall be used
to block or filter Internet, or other forms of electronic
communications, access to:
The following principles shall be the guide for
Internet website access and site filtering:
-
To provide access to materials
that will enrich and support the curriculum and
educational needs of users, taking into consideration
the varied interests, abilities, learning styles,
maturity levels, socioeconomic, and ethnic backgrounds.
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To provide access to materials
that will stimulate growth in factual knowledge
and ethical standards and that will develop literary,
cultural, and aesthetic appreciation.
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To provide a background of information
which will enable students to make intelligent
judgments in their daily lives.
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To provide access to materials
on opposing sides of controversial issues so that
the users may develop, under guidance, the practice
of critical analysis.
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To provide access to materials
which realistically represent our pluralistic society
and reflect the contributions made by all groups
and individuals to our American and global heritage.
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To place principle above personal
opinion and reason above prejudice in the selection
of materials of the highest quality in order to
ensure comprehensive access appropriate for users.
The District will hold public meetings for input
and comments by parents and other patrons regarding
the District’s Internet safety plan, as required
by law. The superintendent or designee may waive
portions of this policy when the circumstances warrant
and legal requirements are met.
DEFINITIONS:
Obscene: is defined in section 1460 of title 18, United States Code
Child Pornography: is defined in section 2256 of title 18, United States
Code
Harmful to minors: any picture, image, graphic image file, or other depiction
(text, audio, or video) that:
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Appeals to a prurient interest
in nudity, sex, or excretion;
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Depicts, describes, or represents,
in a patently offensive way an actual or simulated
sexual act or sexual contact defined in section
2246 of title 18, United States Code, actual or
simulated normal or perverted sexual acts; or a
lewd exhibition of the genitals;
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Lacks serious literary, artistic,
political, or scientific value as to minors; or
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Would endorse or promote the following:
abusive or threatening material, alcohol, tobacco,
and drug use or abuse, gambling, hate/discrimination
materials, murder/suicide material, racially offensive
material, school cheating information, violence,
and weapons.
Request for Reconsideration of a Website
If a person wishes access to a website that has been blocked by the Internet
filter or by a prior determination of the Superintendent or designee, or
to block access to a website allowed to be accessed by students and staff,
the following procedure applies:
- The person initiating the
request must submit a completed form entitled “Request
for Reconsideration of Website” to the principal
or designee.
- The recommended or challenged
material remains in its current status during the
review process unless an emergency situation is determined
to be present.
- The principal or designee
submits the Request for Reconsideration form to the
Superintendent or designee for review of the request.
- The Superintendent or designee
forms a committee composed of a teacher, technology
staff personnel, parent/guardian and/or District
patron, the building principal or designee, and others
if appropriate. The Superintendent’s designee
is appointed to chair the committee.
- Within five (5) school days
from the receipt of the Request the committee chair
schedules the committee meeting date(s) and sends
notification to the other committee members and the
person making the request. The person making the
request shall have an opportunity to present oral
and/or written comments to the committee.
- The committee meeting shall
be held within a reasonable period of time after
the notice is provided.
- Within five (5) school days
of the committee’s decision, the committee
chair shall notify the person who initiated the Request,
as well as appropriate District personnel, of the
committee’s decision.
- The committee’s decision
may be appealed to the Council of Area Directors
within five (5) days of receipt of the decision.
All requests, appeals, and responses shall be in
writing. DEFINITION:
Council of Area Directors: refers to a body composed of the District’s
area directors acting in their capacity as an appeal panel. Request for
Reconsideration of Website or Other Internet
Materials form |
