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["Michael D. Thomas" <mdthomas AT mindspring.com>]

(Those of you that are on the NCSSM alumni list have already seen this
thread.)

From what I can tell, the administration of NCSSM is trying to install
monitoring software so that the students won't be able to access all of
the Internet -- like adults can (some at work & home, some only when
they pay for the ISP). I'm forwarding a note from a top administrator to
the students, alumni, etc -- it's below. Here's a bit:

<EXCREPT>
 "This is blatantly shown through the recent addition of a "proxy
server" and filtration software
that monitors and restricts student access to knowledge and information
on the internet.  Is such a "big brother" approach to student life what
is needed at OUR school?  It seems to many that this is simply another
aspect of a general distrust of students by the administration and
student life
staffs."
</EXCREPT>

The students have planned a speakout for Wednesday, September 27th at
6:30 P.M. in the assembly hall on the NCSSM campus. (Hmm.. I wonder if
they went through the appropriate procedures for reserving this premier
campus meeting space?)

Anyway, maybe you'd like to check it out if your interested in the
issue, have ties to S&M, etc.
I can come up with some directions if you want.

-- Mike Thomas, S&M '91


Barber, Joan" <barber AT ncssm.edu> wrote:
> Thanks.  Your e-mail was informative.  However, when I read it,  I
wassurprised because I had not received complaints from students
regarding
censorship and other issues.  I look forward to meeting anytime today
(Monday, September 25, 2000) or any other day with students to address
these
issues.  This will give us an opportunity to first identify student
issues,
share with you some of our interests and work together for solutions.

The Student Life Division is determined to stay focused and demonstrate
on a
daily basis that our students' quality of life here at NCSSM is our top
priority.

Clearly there is an issue and we (students, faculty, staff,
administration,
parents) together can find a solution.  My door will be open all day, so

students, please feel free to come and tell me what's on your minds.

>  -----Original Message-----
> From:  Scott, Evan
> Sent: Friday, September 22, 2000 9:47 PM

>
> Dear NCSSM Students and Staff -
>
>  NCSSM is a community where there supposedly exists a freedom to
> learn and grow both academically and socially.  Being a residential
high
> school, the students supposedly come first, and it is stated that we,
the
> student body, are on the same level as the executive director and
board of
> trustees.  Ask yourselves, "is this really the case?"  We'll answer
for
> you.  It's not.
>
>  Many of you are disillusioned with the school; many people complain
> about a multitude of grievances and annoyances, but feel powerless to
> address these issues.  There are systemic problems with student life,
a
> perceived ineffectiveness of student-based groups such as SGA and APC,
and
> bizarre implementations of the judicial code.  This is blatantly shown

> through the recent addition of a "proxy server" and filtration
software
> that monitors and restricts student access to knowledge and
information on
> the internet.  Is such a "big brother" approach to student life what
is
> needed at OUR school?  It seems to many that this is simply another
aspect
> of a general distrust of students by the administration and student
life
> staffs.
>
>  Instead of simply complaining about the problem, we consider it
> necessary to take direct and immediate action against any policy or
> implemenation that violates the trust between students and adults on
> campus.  As such, we would like to hold a speakout regarding the
> censorship and distrust of students this Wednesday, September 27th,
with
> the hope of achieving immediate removal of any filtering and logging
of
> students by the ITS staff.  Also, we hope that by opening a grassroots

> line of communication to the administration, student issues can begin
to
> be addressed seriously and effectively.
>
>  Please come express your views about the community as they relate to
> student life on Wednesday, September 27th at 6:30 P.M. in the assembly

> hall.  Your presence is needed so that we can stop the censorship and
> surveillance of students!  Thank you for your time.
>
> -- The members of AIR: Actively Instigating Reform

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