Arguments have been aimed at First Amendment rights of freedom of speech and press. Some say denying access restricts viewing freedoms. It can also infringe on our freedoms of religion if alternative sites are blocked. If I want to explore other religious options I should be allowed to do so, said senior Jackson Clark. Freshman Nick Hatcher agreed with infringement argument.
Internet filters infringe on our freedom of speech because text and writing are parts of speaking.
Some of the sites blocked our school doesn t even know about, Hatcher said. Hays pointed out, however, that each student signs a contract at the beginning of each school year. The contract states that students will not access inappropriate sites and will adhere to set policies. A recent bill passed by Congress now requires all schools and public libraries that receive federal funding to install Internet filters on computers. Internet filters or blockers have been used here for the past few years.