[Edu-sig] FW: [Visualpython-users] High School Network Security

[Arthur]

As a reminder, we hear that:

> I am a high school physics teacher who is planning post-AP exam student
> projects using VPython.  However, my school refuses to allow Python and
> VPython to be installed on the school's network because it is open
> source.
> 
> Here's the reply from the technology coodinator at my school:
> 
> "Our technology team discussed your request to install VPython on the
> network/lab at our May 4th meeting and all agreed that it is not good
> practice to install open source software on the school computer systems.
> We have conferred with LHRIC and a random sampling of other districts and
> all agree it is not in the district's best interest to do so, even thought
> there is no doubt your intended goal is worthy."
> 

I will be dramatic, only because I think the situation calls for it. Lonely
as I sometimes feel in that perception. And I do promise to look for an
avenue for activism on these issues beyond posting here.

The above news is consistent with what I sense to be happening pervasively
(and yes I know there are exceptions, but the exceptions are exceptions and
are not enough to bring me to any sense of calm).

The worst part of the above message is to me not the ignorance it brings to
light, but the lack of soul it brings to light.  And decisions being made on
the basis of ignorance and lack of soul. 

The "good" kids will be the one's best able to adjust to the environment
being created by these kinds of decision, and the "bad" kids those who
cannot. And we continue from there.

Its moving toward the plot of a bad science fiction movie. 

I do business stuff.  My job and training is to be rooted in reality, in
things as they are.  And not to become emotional, surprised and involved in
this that or the other injustice that comes along or about.  Such is the
world.

But I am alarmed that I am alarmed.

Art