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Politech is the oldest Internet resource devoted to politics and technology. Launched in 1994 by Declan McCullagh, the mailing list has chronicled the growing intersection of culture, technology, politics, and law. Since 2000, so has the Politech web site.
[David works for N2H2, which sells filtering software. --Declan] ---------- Forwarded message ---------- Date: Fri, 15 Aug 2003 16:37:39 -0700 From: dburt@n2h2.com To: declan@well.com Subject: Minn. Library pays Half Million to settle porn case I do think this changes things. Not only are libraries facing losing federal funds, but they are also risking six figure payouts for creating hostile work environments as well. On top of that, a number of states are looking to pass CIPA-type laws to take away state funds for not filtering. (see http://www.family.org/cforum/fnif/news/a0026904.cfm ) Obviously, I think all three of these trends combined will lead to a lot more filtering in public libraries. --David (feel free to quote) Library statement at http://www.mplib.org/settlement_030815.asp News story http://wcco.com/localnews/local_story_227152529.html Library Settles With Workers Who Sued Over Hostile Work Environment Aug 15, 2003 2:24 pm US/Central Minneapolis (WCCO-TV) Minneapolis library officials will consider restricting patrons' access to Internet porn and pay $435,000 to a dozen librarians to settle a lawsuit that alleged the prevalence of the images constituted a hostile work environment, the librarians' lawyer said Friday. Library officials confirmed the settlement in a statement. They didn't confirm the amount, but said it involves a payment from their liability insurer. Lawyer Bob Halagan, representing the librarians, said money wasn't the point of their claim of a hostile work environment. But he said that they sought a sufficient payment so that library officials elsewhere would take seriously such staff complaints. As part of the operating changes, library officials will consider Internet filters to screen out certain materials, changes in the printing of Internet material to reduce exposure to explicit material, more sanctions for those who violate library Internet policy, and consultation with staff on the placement of terminals in the new downtown library. The library didn't admit wrongdoing, but Laurie Savran, the trustee representing the Library Board in settlement negotiations, apologized during an all-day settlement conference on Aug. 7. [...] ----------------------------------- David Burt, Public Relations N2H2, Inc. E-mail:dburt@n2h2.com Web: http://www.n2h2.com Press Kit: http://www.n2h2.com/pdf/virtual_press_kit.pdf Address: 900 4th Avenue, Suite 3600 Seattle, WA 98164 Office Phone: 206 892-1130 Cell Phone: 206 915-1283 Fax: 509 271-4226 ----------------------------------- DISCLAIMER: Any opinions expressed in this email are those of the individual and not necessarily N2H2, Inc. This email and any files transmitted with it, including replies and forwarded copies (which may contain alterations) subsequently transmitted from N2H2 Inc., are confidential and solely for the use of the intended recipient. If you are not the intended recipient or the person responsible for delivering to the intended recipient, be advised that you have received this email in error and that any use is strictly prohibited. ----------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------- POLITECH -- Declan McCullagh's politics and technology mailing list You may redistribute this message freely if you include this notice. ------------------------------------------------------------------------- To subscribe to Politech: http://www.politechbot.com/info/subscribe.html This message is archived at http://www.politechbot.com/ Declan McCullagh's photographs are at http://www.mccullagh.org/ Like Politech? Make a donation here: http://www.politechbot.com/donate/ -------------------------------------------------------------------------