The purpose of this policy is to set forth policies for access to the school district computer system and acceptable and safe use of the Internet, including electronic communications.
II. GENERAL STATEMENT OF POLICY
In making decisions regarding student and employee access to the school district computer system and the Internet, including electronic communications, the school district considers its own stated educational mission, goals, and objectives. Electronic information research skills are now fundamental to preparation of citizens and future employees. Access to the school district computer system and to the Internet enables students and employees to explore thousands of libraries, databases, bulletin boards, and other resources while exchanging messages with people around the world. The school district expects that faculty will blend thoughtful use of the school district computer system and the Internet throughout the curriculum and will provide guidance and instruction to students in their use.
III. LIMITED EDUCATIONAL PURPOSE
The school district is providing students and employees with access to the school district computer system, which includes Internet access. The purpose of the system is more specific than providing students and employees with general access to the Internet. The school district system has a limited educational purpose, which includes the use of the system for classroom activities, educational research, and professional or career development activities. Users are expected to use Internet access through the district system to further educational and personal goals consistent with the mission of the school district and school policies. Uses that might be acceptable on a user’s private personal account on another system may not be acceptable on this limited-purpose network.
IV. USE OF SYSTEM IS A PRIVILEGE
The use of the school district system and access to use of the Internet is a privilege, not a right. Depending on the nature and degree of the violation and the number of previous violations, unacceptable use of the school district system or the Internet may result in one or more of the following consequences: suspension or cancellation of use or access privileges; payments for damages and repairs; discipline under other appropriate school district policies, including suspension, expulsion, exclusion, or termination of employment; or civil or criminal liability under other applicable laws.
The superintendent is directed to develop the Internet Acceptable Use and Safety Guidelines and procedures, including but not limited to Unacceptable Uses, Filtering, Use of Social Media, and Use of Personal Devices to Access School District Resources Media for the School District, that meets the Federal and State requirements established in law or rule.
Legal References:
15 U.S.C. § 6501 et seq. (Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act) 1
7 U.S.C. § 101 et seq. (Copyrights)
47 U.S.C. § 254 (Children’s Internet Protection Act of 2000 (CIPA)) 47 C.F.R. §
54.520 (FCC rules implementing CIPA)
Minn. Stat. § 121A.031 (School Student Bullying Policy)
Minn. Stat. § 125B.15 (Internet Access for Students)
Minn. Stat. § 125B.26 (Telecommunications/Internet Access Equity Act)
Tinker v. Des Moines Indep. Cmty. Sch. Dist., 393 U.S. 503, 89 S.Ct. 733, 21 L.Ed.2d 731 (1969)
United States v. Amer. Library Assoc., 539 U.S. 194, 123 S.Ct. 2297, 56 L.Ed.2d 221 (2003)
Doninger v. Niehoff, 527 F.3d 41 (2nd Cir. 2008)
R.S. v. Minnewaska Area Sch. Dist. No. 2149, No. 12-588, 2012 WL 3870868 (D. Minn. 2012)
Tatro v. Univ. of Minnesota, 800 N.W.2d 811 (Minn. App. 2011), aff’d on other grounds 816 N.W.2d 509 (Minn. 2012)
S.J.W. v. Lee’s Summit R-7 Sch. Dist., 696 F.3d 771 (8th Cir. 2012)
Kowalski v. Berkeley County Sch., 652 F.3d 565 (4th Cir. 2011)
Layshock v. Hermitage Sch. Dist., 650 F.3d 205 (3rd Cir. 2011)
Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays, Inc. v. Camdenton R-III Sch. Dist., 853 F.Supp.2d 888 (W.D. Mo. 2012)
M.T. v. Cent. York Sch. Dist., 937 A.2d 538 (Pa. Commw. Ct. 2007)
Cross References:
RAS Equity Policy 102.1
RAS Policy 403 (Discipline, Suspension, and Dismissal of School District Employees)
RAS Policy 406 (Public and Private Personnel Data)
RAS Policy 505 (Distribution of Nonschool-Sponsored Materials on School Premises by Students and Employees)
RAS Policy 506 (Student Discipline)
RAS Policy 514 (Bullying Prohibition Policy)
RAS Policy 515 (Protection and Privacy of Pupil Records)
RAS Policy 519 (Interviews of Students by Outside Agencies)
RAS Policy 521 (Student Disability Nondiscrimination)
RAS Policy 522 (Student Sex Nondiscrimination)
RAS Policy 603 (Curriculum Development)
RAS Policy 604 (Instructional Curriculum)
RAS Policy 606 (Textbooks and Instructional Materials)
RAS Policy 806 (Crisis Management Policy)
RAS Policy 904 (Distribution of Materials on School District Property by Nonschool Persons)