[log in to unmask] writes:
>For those of you who provide email for your staff and students would you
>discuss your policy on reading email as the network administrator? Do you
>read individual's email only when there is reason to believe there is
>illegial activity occuring or other similar problems. Do you randomly read
>email on a regular basis? What are your policies and practices dealing
>with
>email monitoring?

I've been considering this issue, ever since our super passed around a
"model" AUP a few weeks ago.  The policy gives to the super and principals
(or their "designees") pretty much unrestricted access to school email and
computer documents and logs.  As tech coordinator and likely "designee", I
am as uncomfortable about snooping around someone's computer files as I
would be rifling through his desk, tapping his phone, reading his snail
mail or eavesdropping using the PA system.  Our collective bargaining
agreement prohibits electronic surveillance, but I'm unsure if  by signing
a AUP, you waive these rights.  I'm hoping for a legal opinion from VEA
soon.

I am troubled by our willingness to abandon due process and  our rights to
privacy in response to a new technology.  I am concerned that individuals
could be targeted selectively and that IT staff could be coerced into
spying on colleagues and in turn, become targets for litigation.

Of course these are my paranoid musings and do not reflect the opinions or
policies of my employers :)


*****************************
Tom Karlen

[log in to unmask]

Randolph Union High School

Systems Administrator / IT Coordinator

802 728-3397  X206

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