INTERNET AFETY/ACCEPTABLE USE OF

EGD

Adopted December 13, 2011

POLICY

BALTIMORE CITY
BOARD OF SCHOOL COMMISSIONERS

INTERNET SAFETY/ACCEPTABLE USE OF TECHNOLOGY

I. Purpose

The basic purpose of this Internet Safety/Acceptable Use of Technology (“AUP”) policy
is to support and guide the appropriate use of technology and ensure the safety of digital
assets used by Baltimore City Public Schools (City Schools).

II. Definitions

A. Communications Systems – Refers to the entire City Schools data infrastructure and
related technology and includes, but is not limited to, hardware, software, networks,
wiring, and communications equipment.

B. Cyber-bullying - The use of information and communication technologies to support
deliberate, repeated, and hostile behavior by an individual or group, that is intended to
harm others.

C. Filtering – This is a technique used to restrict or limit access to specific data,
information, and web sites.

D. Removable Media - any electronic device that can be detached from the computer.
This includes, but is not limited to, memory sticks, flash drives, portable media
players (such as ipods), DVDs, CDs, PDA's, WiFi, Bluetooth etc.

E. Sensitive Data - includes, but is not limited to: personal and financial data of
employees or students; federally protected data such as FERPA and HIPAA protected
information; state protected data; passwords; and other data considered confidential
by City Schools.

F. Technology - Technology refers to any electronic device and instrument that uses,
manages, carries or supports audio, video or data and includes, but is not limited to,
information transmitted or received via radio, television, cable, microwave,
telephone, computer systems, Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), Smart Phones,
networks, removable media,and fax machines.

G. User – Refers to City Schools employees, including school and teaching staff, guests,
consultants, administrative staff located in headquarters and satellite offices, as well
as affiliated agents (including vendors, contractors, partners, and other entities or

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individuals working with or on behalf of City Schools), and students enrolled in City
Schools Pre-K through 12 or alternative learning programs and services.

III. Policy Standards

A. Conduct and Use
The Board’s technology is to be used for City Schools-related business in accordance
with EGD-RA and EGD-RB.

B. Prohibited Uses of Technology

1. Using technology to engage in activities that do not support student learning,
instruction or support processes;

2. Transmitting or reproducing materials that are slanderous or defamatory or that
otherwise violate existing laws and regulations;

3. Using technology for the purposes of threatening or bullying others (a.k.a Cyber-
Bullying);

4. Inappropriate mass-mailing. This includes multiple mailings to news groups,
mailing lists or individual, e.g., spamming, flooding, bombing;

5. Forging the identity of a user or machine in an electronic communication;

6. Displaying or downloading inappropriate content such as: pornographic material,
obscene, lewd or sexually harassing images, text or audio;

7. Connecting unauthorized equipment to any part of the City Schools’ network;

8. Deliberately or carelessly performing an act that will interfere with the normal
City Schools’ operation of computers, terminals, peripherals or networks.

C. Violating Copyright Laws and Software Protection

1. Users must not violate terms of applicable software licensing agreements or
copyright laws;

2. Users must not attempt to monitor or tamper with another user’s electronic
communications – this includes: reading, copying, altering or deleting another
user’s files or software without the explicit agreement of the owner;

3. Users are prohibited from unauthorized attempts to circumvent data protection
schemes or uncover security loopholes and/or decrypt intentionally secure data;

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4. Users must not deliberately or carelessly install or run a program intended to
damage or to place excessive burden on the City Schools’ computer system or
network. This includes, but is not limited to, programs known as computer
viruses, Trojan Horses, and worms.

D. Electronic Surveillance and Technology Reviews

1. Random electronic surveillance may be used to detect when a user accesses
prohibited Web sites and monitor access for use that is not work-related.

2. All files, documents, and/or messages generated on or maintained in the
technology systems, including back-up copies, are considered to be the property
of the Board and will be subject to review at the discretion of CitySchools’
management.

E. Filtering

1. City Schools utilizes filtering techniques to ensure the appropriate access to
content. It prevents users from visiting internet web sites that are considered
inappropriate.

2. Users of the technology systems owned and monitored by the Board and City
Schools do not have a right to privacy in such use.

F. Compliance with this AUP is mandatory. In exchange for access to City Schools’
technology systems, users are expected to employ these resources in a responsible,
ethical, and legal manner. The misuse of City Schools’ technology is grounds for
discipline, ranging from the temporary or permanent termination of user privileges, to
suspension/expulsion for students, or termination for employees.

G. Teachers and all other employees of the Board are encouraged to be responsible in
their use of these technologies by employing high standards of decency and moral,
civic and ethical values. Use of these technologies should model the character they
are expected to teach and exhibit both during the duty day and away from the
worksite. If employees choose to post communications on the Internet related to their
professional roles with City Schools, this should be only on City Schools’ computer
servers and with City Schools’ consent.

H. Limitations

1. The Board’s liability for use of its technology is limited.

2. The Board shall not be liable for information retrieved through City Schools’
computers, networks or online resources unless done while in compliance
with this policy.

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3. City Schools uses technical means to limit student Internet access, these limits
do not provide a foolproof means for enforcing the provisions of local
acceptable use policies.

4. Users are prohibited from access to the Internet and email for advertising,
promotional, and commercial purposes, for religious activities, and any non-
governmental related fundraising or public relations activities, such as
solicitation for religious purposes, lobbying for political purposes, or
soliciting votes. The Board does not condone and is not responsible for these
and any activities in which users might engage that are in violation of this
AUP.

IV. Implementation Strategies
The Chief Executive Officer’s (“CEO”) administrative regulations shall contain
procedures regarding filtering and penalties for violations of this AUP, and shall also
provide for the recordation of users’ acknowledgment and acceptance of this AUP.

V. Legal and Policy References
A. Legal Authority
47 USCS § 254
44 USC § 3451, et seq.
B. Policy References
Related Board Policies: GBEBB, JICK
Replaces Board Rule: 812
C. Administrative Regulation References
EGD-RA; EGD-RB; GBEBB-RA; JICK-RA

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