[WEB4LIB] Censorware

[P.A. Gantt]

I have *serious* concerns re: First Amendment infringement due to filtering
software. Not to mention academic freedom objections...

Classic example:
Biology class researching "breast cancer" as descriptors.

Here is the latest from my House Representative's personal
answer to my email and fax.

==================================================

"I have contacted my colleagues to express your concerns about
this matter [mandatory filtering]. I was told that the Committee
unanimously decided to insert a modified version of Congressman Istook's
proposal into the 1999 Labor, Health and Human Services Appropriations Bill.

While the provision *does* require schools and libraries to install
Internet filtering software on computers which may be used by minors,
it also mandates that teachers and librarians have the discretion to
turn the filter off."

To check progress of this Bill refer to the ACLU site.
Have you sent your letter, fax, or email to your Congress
Person expressing your view on this issue?

> This excerpt is from the latest Cool Site of the Day from
> http://www.tipworld.com/    Whether you are pro or con filtering (and NO,
> I'm not trying to start that debate....just providing a resource), you
> might find the information at this site useful. <snip> THE CENSORWARE PROJECT
>
>
>
> http://www.spectacle.org/cwp/
>
> Just as one man's trash might be another man's treasure,
> one company's definition of objectionable material might be another
> person's right to free speech. What's more, when the topic is
> site-blocking software, the wide definitions used to block "objectionable
> material" invariably lump innocuous fare within its banned list.

Actually I am. I really do think schools, libraries, and tertiary
institutions need to become involved in this issue. First Amendment
rights are precious. When teamed with proper adult oversight and
Acceptable Use Policies that are enforced, Congress (Big Brother-like)
does not need to errode our academic freedom and right of expression.

No liberal here but a conservative proponent of individual rights... certainly
a concerned educator of 24 years.

--
P.A. Gantt   <mailto:pgantt at icx.net>
Electronic Media Design and Support   http://user.icx.net/~pgantt/
Updated Vitae: http://user.icx.net/~pgantt/profresume.html