Anonymous Patron writes “Several Oak Park, California, residents say they are outraged after discovering that two middle-aged male patrons of the Oak Park High School library frequently use the facility’s computer terminals to view pornographic websites.
The Acorn Reports The residents, who asked to remain anonymous, say the men spend time each day at the library looking at electronic porn.
One woman said she spoke to authorities, but was told that adult citizens have the right through the U.S. Constitution’s First Amendment to view any website, pornographic or otherwise, at public libraries.
Lynn McCormick, Oak Park High School principal, says the community has been successful at maximizing the use of its library.”
We have a contender
“Lynn McCormick, Oak Park High School principal, says the community has been successful at maximizing the use of its library.”
I would say this is in the running for understatement of the year. 😉
Constitutional right to Porn?
There are several pieces of this story that just don’t jive. If the high school is using the library how are there outsiders in there? If oustiders are in when the high school is there isn’t it a possible danger or risk to the students if we do not know how the porn read might translate into a threat? I wonder if every constitutional lawyer or judge would unanimously say everyone has a right to view on publically funded computers when there is also some kind of danger to children. Legalistic justification works on both sides of an issue. I think the library in Oak Park needs some clarification of its legal and professional responsibilities.
I know the problem…
“In order to avoid any accidental viewing of adult material, library officials recently moved two adult computers to a space that is more isolated”
Gee, might it not be a better idea to put the public computers out in the open rather than hiding them in the corner and making them peep show booths?
Sunshine is a fantastic disinfectant.