Impero representatives did not respond to multiple calls and emails requesting comment about ContentKeeper for this article.
Joshua Mukai, the vice president of marketing at Securly, stated that the “Sexual Content” category in schools helps prevent overblocking of websites related to reproductive health or sexual orientation by allowing them to create policies that allow appropriate sites for different age groups. He did not comment on the perceived discriminatory nature of blocking LGBTQ+ advocacy websites under the “sexual content” category.
Reproductive Health
Maya Perez, a high school senior in Fort Worth, Texas, who is the president of her school’s Feminist Club, faces challenges when conducting research for presentations on her school computer. She recently encountered blocked pages while researching health care disparities and abortion access for a presentation.
Perez expressed frustration, stating, “Page after page was just blocked, blocked, blocked. It’s challenging to find accurate information a lot of times.” She had to resort to using her phone to conduct research and then transfer the notes to her computer, which she found inefficient. She wished for more access to news and informational sites.
The Fort Worth Independent School District provided records showing blocked domains and categories, revealing significant blocking of search engines and educational websites. Planned Parenthood has faced challenges negotiating with schools to unblock their website in various states.
Alison Macklin, now the policy and advocacy director for SIECUS, shared her experience of students being unable to access information on sex education websites like plannedparenthood.org due to filters. Many states, including Missouri, have restrictions on sex education websites in school districts.
The Breadth of the Internet
Students like Brooke O’Dell in the Rockwood School District encounter blocked websites while doing homework, leading to challenges in accessing necessary resources. Similarly, Forsyth County Schools in Georgia have blocked various YouTube videos and categories like games and social media.
Most districts block categories such as games, social media, and entertainment, with few blocking sites labeled as “porn” or “nudity.” The School District of Manatee County has one of the broadest internet blocks, preventing access to various educational and news sites.
School districts have implemented web filters with varying restrictions, impacting students’ ability to complete assignments and access essential information. Concerns have been raised about the impact of these filters on students’ right to information and education.
A Stubborn Status Quo
The American Library Association has advocated for a more nuanced approach to internet filtering in schools and libraries. While schools have the authority to determine inappropriate content, concerns have been raised about the limitations imposed by filters on students’ constitutional rights.
Despite federal guidance on internet filtering, many districts continue to block social media sites and restrict access to certain resources. Critics argue that the restrictions imposed by filters may infringe on students’ rights and create barriers to learning.
Efforts to challenge discriminatory filtering practices have faced legal and practical challenges, with little federal oversight on filtering practices in schools. Schools have the discretion to set their own filtering policies, leading to inconsistencies in internet access among districts.
While some districts take a more permissive approach to web filtering, others maintain strict restrictions, highlighting the ongoing debate over students’ access to information and resources. The impact of filtering policies on students’ educational experiences continues to be a point of contention.
Ultimately, the balance between internet filtering and students’ rights remains a complex issue, with implications for education and censorship in school environments.
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This story was produced by The Markup and reviewed and distributed by Stacker Media.
