NationStates Jolt Archive

Today in my high school sociology class, we were assigned to do a project about cultural differences between the United States and other countries. We were given time in the library to do research for this project. One of the categories was gender roles and marriage traditions, so I decided to get on one of the school’s computers and go to http://www.amnesty.org/, Amnesty International’s homepage. I figured it would be good place to get statistics on things, since the organization seems to have a beef with everybody, and, as far as I know, doesn’t play favorites.

When I entered the URL into the web browser, however, a message came up saying that the website has been blocked by the Commal Independent School District. I initially thought that it must be because of disturbing pictures of refugees and such. Nope. Upon further investigation, I discovered that it was blocked for being SPAM. Later, I told my teacher about it and she said that she once noticed that the local Democratic party’s website was blocked but not the local Republican party’s site.

I have to think that this is more than just a coincidence. The town I attend school in is heavily Republican, the majority of voters being either typical conservative Whites or religiously observant Catholic Hispanics. I have to say that I am outraged by this. Nobody else really seemed to care bout it, with the exception of my teacher. So, am I overreacting (as everybody says) or is this cause for concern?

It's a cause for concern. Amnesty International spam? Perish the thought, everyone, perish the very thought.
I know that our school network has blocked the BNP, unfortunately for politics homework. :D
Kick up a fuss about it. Tell everyone, maybe you'll find someone influential who's interested.

So, am I overreacting (as everybody says) or is this cause for concern?

A little of both. I've read of districts blocking "conservative" websites (such as the NRA) and allowing "liberal" ( such as Brady campaign) ones as well.

That's what we get w/ political pundits in charge.

My old school PC blocker blocked the word 'forum'. I study Ancient History. That was irritating. Political sites though seem to be unblocked here though, nice to see we have some freedom of speech.

What I suggest doing is bringing this issue up in the level above your teacher (probably your principal) and ask if you can get a reasonning behind this decision. If you do not get a satisfied answer, research who blocked it and send them an email with your concerns and ask for the reasoning behind this. Just keep bugging people of importance until you get a good enough reason for the block or when the site is unblocked.

just find a way around the blocks. Students at my high school could get anywhere using certain surfing utilities. Someone even got around the no-downloads program and downloaded firefox.

Symbolically, however, this is one of the reasons we need drastic reform of the education system. But trust me, there's a much greater need to reform the government first. Up in arms, my brothers! To revolution!

just find a way around the blocks. Students at my high school could get anywhere using certain surfing utilities. Someone even got around the no-downloads program and downloaded firefox.
Wouldn’t work. We use Mozilla in my web design class and the blocks work fine. Plus, we have to sign into the computers. If I was caught somehow trying to get around the firewall, I could get suspended for vandalism (they categorize it that way so they didn’t have to change the paperwork when the school got its network hooked up.)
What I suggest doing is bringing this issue up in the level above your teacher (probably your principal) and ask if you can get a reasonning behind this decision. If you do not get a satisfied answer, research who blocked it and send them an email with your concerns and ask for the reasoning behind this. Just keep bugging people of importance until you get a good enough reason for the block or when the site is unblocked.
That sounds like it would work, in theory but, in my experience, schools are quite adept at ignoring student criticism.

Today in my high school sociology class, we were assigned to do a project about cultural differences between the United States and other countries. We were given time in the library to do research for this project. One of the categories was gender roles and marriage traditions, so I decided to get on one of the school’s computers and go to http://www.amnesty.org/, Amnesty International’s homepage. I figured it would be good place to get statistics on things, since the organization seems to have a beef with everybody, and, as far as I know, doesn’t play favorites.

When I entered the URL into the web browser, however, a message came up saying that the website has been blocked by the Commal Independent School District. I initially thought that it must be because of disturbing pictures of refugees and such. Nope. Upon further investigation, I discovered that it was blocked for being SPAM. Later, I told my teacher about it and she said that she once noticed that the local Democratic party’s website was blocked but not the local Republican party’s site.

I have to think that this is more than just a coincidence. The town I attend school in is heavily Republican, the majority of voters being either typical conservative Whites or religiously observant Catholic Hispanics. I have to say that I am outraged by this. Nobody else really seemed to care bout it, with the exception of my teacher. So, am I overreacting (as everybody says) or is this cause for concern?
I read your topic as "Amnesty International: Scam?" - a sentiment to which I would generally agree. However, I do not believe in blocking Content/Censorship.

Yell to the high heavens.

However, If the Powers That Be can show that accessing that (or any) particular site loads a noxious cookie or otherwise compromises the School's system (allowing SPAM or zombie access) then good for them and PTHBLTH to the owners of said site(s).

What business do you have looking at Amnesty International, anyway? Are you not aware that Goldstein gets into your mind that way, doubleplusungood crimethinker? Remember, Big Brother is watching you. AmCap is doubleplusgood and freedom is slavery!

Well, if I remember my high school firewall, stuff was typically blocked in an incredibly arbitrary and random manner. I've seen www.google.com get blocked because the system considered it spam, whilst www.guns.com wasn't blocked. Porn sites went unblocked whilst a nearby library went blocked. It made no sense, I suspect this is how it is with your school system.

(often times the system filters for keywords, and if these words popped up stuff gets an autoblock)

What business do you have looking at Amnesty International, anyway? Are you not aware that Goldstein gets into your mind that way, doubleplusungood crimethinker? Remember, Big Brother is watching you. AmCap is doubleplusgood and freedom is slavery!
I can’t stand Orwell.
However, If the Powers That Be can show that accessing that (or any) particular site loads a noxious cookie or otherwise compromises the School's system (allowing SPAM or zombie access) then good for them and PTHBLTH to the owners of said site(s).
I hadn’t considered that possibility. That would warrant the spam classification.