What would you do?

[ducklite]

If you had proof that someone employed by a public school system was using school computer systems to post on various Internet web sites with very crude language, harrassing people, and generally causing trouble, would you alert the school board or someone else with authority?

Anne

 

[gallaj0]

Yep, I'd inform the superintendants office, unless that was who it was.

 

[Marseeya]

Probably not the school board, but the superintendant's office. Or like gallaj0 said, unless he/she's the one doing it.

I would turn them in, yes.

 

[aprilgail2]

I probably wouldn't do anything...unless the crude language and trouble was directed at me....then I may tell..but otherwise I really don't like being a rat.

 

[bicker]

Yup; I'd draw the distinction between whether there was anything illegal going on or not. If not, or if I had no proof besides my own suspicion, I would consider it none of my business.

 

[ducklite]

I have written proof. My concern is that their words show them to be somewhat unbalanced, and I'm concerned that someone like this is working around children.

Anne

 

[gallaj0]

using computers at the school also opens up the schools and the town to the possibility of a lawsuit if they really are harrassing someone. I don't know about your town, but our schools can't afford a payoff like that.

also, if they do seem that unbalanced at work, imagine what's on their PC at home.

 

[bicker]

Hmmm... I'm not sure how words, alone, can show someone to be "unbalanced." I'm not even sure I would trust a psychologist to interpret the true meaning of words like that; I surely wouldn't put myself up in the position to judge the words of others in that manner. I'd be very careful. It would be more of a shame to unfairly tarnish the image of a good person than it would be a good thing to fairly tarnish the image of a bad person.

 

[ducklite]

Hmmm... I'm not sure how words, alone, can show someone to be "unbalanced." I'm not even sure I would trust a psychologist to interpret the true meaning of words like that; I surely wouldn't put myself up in the position to judge the words of others in that manner. I'd be very careful. It would be more of a shame to unfairly tarnish the image of a good person than it would be a good thing to fairly tarnish the image of a bad person.

This person spews hatred. They have publicly stated that they hate various demographoc groups of people in our society. Thye have used words that would make a sailor blush. And they've done so using the schools sustems. I have written proof of this. (IP addresses are wonderful)

Anne

 

[SueM in MN]

Someplace there should be an internet use policy for the school district. Whether or not the person is breaking any laws, they are probably in violation of the school district's policy. I know the hospital where I work has very clear policies about what can/can't be done.
If they don't have a policy, they should get one.

 

[marlasmom]

Yes I would definitely report it. I am conflicted whether to report it to the Superintendent or the School Board - why not both. I don't know whether personal use of the computer is restricted, but certainly the language and content is. You're right - people with attitudes like that should not be around children.

 

[bicker]

This person spews hatred. They have publicly stated that they hate various demographoc groups of people in our society.

That's an objective evaluation, so pretty reliable regardless of other factors.

Thye have used words that would make a sailor blush.

I'm not a sailor, and I don't play one on television. What concerns me is to what extent you're allowing your objection to the use of vulgar language color your perception of the content of the person's words. If you can step back and with surety say that the content of the person's words is hateful, regardless of the "color" of the person's language, then you should feel comfortable reporting the hate speech.

 

[kristen821]

Have you tried to talk to the person about it? If it was a hatred toward something I am or believe I would request the my child had no contact with them. I don't think I would rat the person out because I wouldn't want to ruin thier families life, but I wouldn't want my children to be around the person if I feel they will be unfair to them. How is the person with the kids?

 

[ducklite]

Have you tried to talk to the person about it? If it was a hatred toward something I am or believe I would request the my child had no contact with them. I don't think I would rat the person out because I wouldn't want to ruin thier families life, but I wouldn't want my children to be around the person if I feel they will be unfair to them. How is the person with the kids?

I am not going to talk to this person, they have made veiled threats against me in the past.

Anne

 

[Kteacher]

Anne, you should definitely contact the superintendant's office. What this persdon is doing is wrong on so many levels . Good luck

 

[luvsmickeymouse]

I would report it! Imagine someone doing that is working around children. My kids have to sign a paper stating that they will use the internet properly, maybe a paper like this needs to be signed by all the staff. I wouldn't want my kids to be around someone like that.

 

[Keli]

I would do nothing. I have found that people often 'try on' personas in the anonymity of the internet. They say things they don't really feel just to see how others will react. They aren't necessarily being themselves; they are often playing a role. Personally that's not my style but I sure know a lot of people that do it.

 

[Wishing on a star]

I would be tempted to attempt to do something about it.
If I truly felt that this displayed a hateful and 'unbalanced' person who should not be around children, Then, the very last thing that I would be concerned about is this persons 'life' and their family!!!

If what you have found is as bad as you seem to indicate, then I agree that this is a real concern if this person is engaging in this activity on the school computer, on school time, when they are being paid to be working with children!!!

I would definately find out what the schools policy is on internet usage.
I would imagine that there is indeed a strict policy.
But, perhaps not?

As others have said, this could be a real gray area, unless what you have is truly objective (not subjective) in nature. I am thinking that this person is indeed crossing some lines (hate speach, etc...) The bottom line is, if somebody crosses legal lines, the the school can do something. If somebody posts something that you happen to disagree with, well, too bad....

I do have a question.
Your own credibility and motives here will definately be on the line.
Just how did you find out about this?
How are you sure you know exactly who is doing this? (could be just about anyone on that other keyboard???)
What reasons caused you to become involved?


I would give this careful consideration.
I would give a bit of time for the emotional shock and anger to pass.
Then, if you still feel you have concerns, then I think you should notify the Superintendant.

 

[Wishing on a star]

I would do nothing. I have found that people often 'try on' personas in the anonymity of the internet. They say things they don't really feel just to see how others will react. They aren't necessarily being themselves; they are often playing a role. Personally that's not my style but I sure know a lot of people that do it.

The OP states that this is definately profane and hateful.
And you would not find this a bit 'off'?
It would not concern you to entrust this person to care for your child!!!

 

[kristen821]

I am not going to talk to this person, they have made veiled threats against me in the past.

Anne

I didn't realize they made threats directly at you. In that case if you do feel threatened or that your children are threatened I would definately report it. It is one thing to make general commets that a person you not like but it is another when the comments are directed directly towards you or your children.