The trust that defines this community requires that our technology resources be used for educational purposes, unselfishly, with good manners, and for the good of the community as a whole.

The actions listed below are violations of the school's policy on acceptable use of its technological systems:

1. Unauthorized copying or theft of software or other intellectual property. Software is intellectual property. It is unethical to copy software unless permission has been obtained from its creator. John Burroughs School will purchase much software by site license, which permits the making of unlimited copies at this school. Other software will be purchased by fixed number licenses, and it is up to the purchaser—the whole school or a department—to control the number of copies made. Software may be copied outside of license agreements for a limited time for evaluation purposes. Such evaluation should not exceed 30 days.

2. Use of any technological systems for commercial purposes. The John Burroughs School computer systems, copy machines, video equipment, phones, etc., may not be used for private gain or any other commercial purpose. Permission must be obtained from the head of school for use for other nonprofit agencies or causes, including reimbursement to the school from such agency.

3. Damaging, vandalizing, hacking or destroying technological systems or equipment, including computer hardware or software. All users shall respect the integrity of technologically based information. Users shall not in any way vandalize equipment here or at any facility to which John Burroughs School has access via the Internet either physically or by making the system difficult or unpleasant for others to use. Printing excessive copies, attempting to crash computers or networks, the creation or intentional use of programs designed to damage computers, the creation or intentional use of programs that inhibit network traffic, the use of chain letters or excessive messages or devices that restrict legitimate use shall be considered vandalism.

4. Harassment using any technological systems. Use of the phone system, copy machines or computer systems to send obscene or harassing messages anywhere or to anyone is prohibited.

5. Invasion of the property of individuals or the school, including phone mail and computer files. All users shall respect the privacy of others. A user's files and phone mail messages are private and shall be accessed only with the permission of the owner. School files are strictly off limits. Any attempt by users to access another user's or the school's private files, phone or e-mail messages will be considered theft. It is unethical to even try to gain unauthorized resources or private information, either on the computer or telephone systems of this campus or any system to which John Burroughs School has access via the Internet. Though sensitive information is protected in a number of ways, the proper use of passwords is important to the integrity of any computer system. All users must observe appropriate password security and report any problems to system administrators. Users are encouraged to report any misuse or damage to their files.

6. Accessing or publishing pornographic or demeaning materials. The Internet is the embodiment of the principles outlined in the First Amendment. This means that some material available on the Internet is considered objectionable by many people. The computer labs are for the use of all, and students wishing to use the labs may not access demeaning materials. This includes, but is not limited to, pornography, "how to" documents encouraging violence or illegal acts and racist tracts or hate speech.

The consequences of the above violations will be in keeping with the school's disciplinary system. All are violations of major school rules. If there is clear evidence of abuse or a threat to system response, integrity or security, a user's files may be inspected by the system administrator, with permission from the head of school. For violations, a user's access to technology may be suspended in addition to probation, suspension or expulsion from the school.

Adopted:  Spring 1995

Last reviewed:  Winter 2008