[Winona Online Democracy] It was probably wrong for me to equate WSU, as in institution, with K-12. Our leased laptop policies and our personal use statements are a horse of another color. We are allowed liberties not often available in the corporate or K-12 environment. The laptops we use are used 24/7 for work and for personal. When the lease runs out, we return the unit---just like a couch from Rent-A-Center. This is clearly not the case in K-12, and for me to compare the two was not accurate.
Tania M. Schmidt -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Leslie Hittner Sent: Sunday, March 19, 2006 9:27 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Re: [Winona] Winona Public Schools WEB Log [Winona Online Democracy] Tania and others, We don't know that the BLOG is an active outlet for teachers and students. We don't even know how many different people are actually using the BLOG. With the exception of Ervin Wolfram, we don't know much. Even posts from "lv" (a signature that appears frequently on the BLOG) could well be from different individuals. The school district, like any other business, has a right to control how its IT infrastructure is being used while people are at work (including students, I would assert). Whether or not locking out the BLOG was politically the "right" thing to do, I personally don't see any legal problem with Superintendent Durand's decision. He has never said "don't use it." He did say in effect to faculty and students that you won't be able to use it while you are at work/school - not on district information technology infrastructure at least. It's not a free speech issue. I would venture to say that even at WSU, there is likely to be an IT policy that discusses the use of school owned IT infrastructure for personal (non-school) business (and the BLOG is personal). It's kind of like checking out a motor pool car and taking it on your family vacation. Is that legal at WSU? Wow, I just completed two posts in one day...my limit! -Leslie Hittner PS. While we are at it, is the obvious lack of civility and the flawed thinking demonstrated on the BLOG a good model for our children? I think not. It is simply a cyber version of road rage. ----- Original Message ----- From: "Schmidt, Tania M" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "Leslie Hittner" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>; <[email protected]> Sent: Sunday, March 19, 2006 7:36 PM Subject: RE: [Winona] Winona Public Schools WEB Log [Winona Online Democracy] While the blog produces little civility, it should be noted that the blog demonstrates the frustration not only within the Winona Community, but specifically within the walls of the schools. Blogs are anonymous--that is their nature. It is this feature of a blog that brings out the best and worst. Take it for what it's worth, but don't overlook the idea that people are finding a needed anonymous public outlet.... (specifically teachers and students). Also, I need to brush up on access laws, but perhaps someone on WOD may be able to answer this question: As long as a site is not pornographic or harmful to children, isn't it illegal to block it on school property? I know it would be at WSU....even if the blog was about WSU. I'd be interested in someone else's knowledge on the topic of sensorship. Tania M.Schmidt ________________________________ From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] on behalf of Leslie Hittner Sent: Sun 3/19/2006 4:45 PM To: [email protected] Subject: [Winona] Winona Public Schools WEB Log [Winona Online Democracy] Thought I might start another thread. I have been following the BLOG so widely publicized a week or so ago in the local media. It's the first time I have paid any real attention to BLOGS. I have a couple of observations about this BLOG and, because of how it's running, I'm not going to post these observations there. 1. It certainly is NOT a place for civil discourse. I have read numerous postings that are rude and hurtful and that appear to have no purpose other than that. 2. The fact that people can post anonymously leads them to make unsupported charges, state incorrect facts, and layer their posts with much innuendo without having to be held accountable for what they say. One fact is clear from the BLOG, however: Despite NUMEROUS news stories both past and present, about District 861 and its woes, about charter schools (which are FREE PUBLIC SCHOOLS), and about WSHS relocation plans (and how they were changed) cynical people cling the their beliefs and to the ladders of inference which they climb. -Leslie Hittner PS. I seldom agree with Ervin Wolfram but I have to hand it to him. He's active on the BLOG and he is the ONLY one who signs his name! _______________________________________________ This message was posted to Winona Online Democracy All messages must be signed by the senders actual name. No commercial solicitations are allowed on this list. To manage your subscription or view the message archives, please visit http://mapnp.mnforum.org/mailman/listinfo/winona Any problems or suggestions can be directed to mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] If you want help on how to contact elected officials, go to the Contact page at http://www.winonaonlinedemocracy.org _______________________________________________ This message was posted to Winona Online Democracy All messages must be signed by the senders actual name. No commercial solicitations are allowed on this list. To manage your subscription or view the message archives, please visit http://mapnp.mnforum.org/mailman/listinfo/winona Any problems or suggestions can be directed to mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] If you want help on how to contact elected officials, go to the Contact page at http://www.winonaonlinedemocracy.org _______________________________________________ This message was posted to Winona Online Democracy All messages must be signed by the senders actual name. No commercial solicitations are allowed on this list. To manage your subscription or view the message archives, please visit http://mapnp.mnforum.org/mailman/listinfo/winona Any problems or suggestions can be directed to mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] If you want help on how to contact elected officials, go to the Contact page at http://www.winonaonlinedemocracy.org _______________________________________________ This message was posted to Winona Online Democracy All messages must be signed by the senders actual name. No commercial solicitations are allowed on this list. To manage your subscription or view the message archives, please visit http://mapnp.mnforum.org/mailman/listinfo/winona Any problems or suggestions can be directed to mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] If you want help on how to contact elected officials, go to the Contact page at http://www.winonaonlinedemocracy.org
