Impero representatives did not respond to multiple calls and emails requesting comment on ContentKeeper for this article.
Joshua Mukai, the vice president of marketing at Securly, mentioned that the “Sexual Content” category is designed to help schools avoid blocking websites related to reproductive health or sexual orientation. This allows them to make policies that allow sites discussing sexual topics for appropriate age groups. However, he did not address concerns about the potentially discriminatory nature of blocking LGBTQ+ advocacy sites under the “sexual content” category.
Reproductive Health
Maya Perez, a senior in Fort Worth, Texas and president of her high school’s Feminist Club, faces challenges with accessing information for presentations on her school computer. She recently struggled to find information for a presentation on health care disparities and abortion access.
After experiencing multiple blocked pages, Perez resorted to using her phone for research, finding the information she needed and then transferring it to her computer. The restricted access made her research process inefficient and limited her ability to access accurate information.
The Fort Worth Independent School District provided records of blocked websites, revealing the most frequently blocked domains and categories. Some Planned Parenthood affiliates negotiate directly with schools to unblock their websites, while others face restrictions.
Alison Macklin, a former sex educator, noted the challenges in accessing information on topics like reproductive health for students. The limited access to educational resources highlights issues in sex education policies across different states.
The Breadth of the Internet
Students like Brooke O’Dell in the Rockwood School District encounter blocked websites while doing homework, forcing them to find workarounds to access information. The limitations imposed by web filters hinder students’ ability to access educational resources and complete assignments efficiently.
Records from various school districts indicate blocks on a range of content categories, including social media, entertainment, and search engines. The restrictions often create obstacles for students trying to access educational materials and information.
Discussions on the impact of web filters in schools highlight concerns about student access to information, censorship, and the need for a more nuanced approach to filtering content. The ongoing challenges underscore the complexities of balancing internet access with student safety and educational objectives.
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This story was produced by The Markup and reviewed and distributed by Stacker Media.
