August 2004 — Editorial
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Securing High-Tech Classrooms
An analysis of threats can be overwhelming. Looking at the sources of threats from inside the institution versus outside the institution can assist in getting a grip on the problems, while also providing at least some sense of control. Sources of threats from inside the system theoretically have more opportunities to be affected, either with policies, tools or, more generally, by trying to affect the culture of the institution. Ribble and Bailey take a look at the notion of "digital citizenship" in their article "Monitoring Technology Misuse and Abuse". They provide a simple survey regarding common security problems, as well as advocate for an equal focus on effective and appropriate uses of technology.
The Politics of Security
Congress has been trying to protect children from online pornography for almost a decade. In February 1996, Congress enacted the Communications Decency Act (CDA) as a part of the Telecommunications Act of 1996. CDA was trying to protect minors from harmful material online by going after the Internet transmission of indecent materials to children. CDA was ruled an unconstitutional intrusion on the Internet by a unanimous ruling from the Supreme Court in 1997. In this ruling, the Internet was called a "unique and wholly new medium of worldwide human communication" that deserved First Amendment protection.
Congress tried again to provide security in October 1998 when it passed, and former President Clinton signed, COPA, which provides criminal penalties for any commercial distribution of material harmful to minors. COPA has never been enforced due to a series of court cases culminating in a Supreme Court decision on June 29. In a 5-4 decision, the Supreme Court ruled that COPA, which was supported by the Bush administration, was too broad and probably violates the First Amendment. In the majority opinion, Associate Justice Anthony Kennedy wrote, "There is a potential for extraordinary harm and a serious chill upon protected speech" if the law took effect. The majority also felt that there have been important technological advances since COPA was first blocked in February 1999 by a federal judge in Philadelphia. The case will now be sent back to a lower court for a new trial. This will allow for a discussion of, among other issues, what technology may protect children, while still allowing adults to view and purchase material that is legal for them.
We all know from Civics 101 that all of the House of Representatives, a third of the Senate and the president will be elected this November. Let us not forget that the president appoints — with the advice and consent of the Senate — the members of the Supreme Court. And it is likely that the next president will appoint at least two, and possibly up to four, members of the Supreme Court. These people will be making decisions about your students, your access to information and your Internet. Don't let it be without your vote.
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