Hempfield Does Not Need To Censor Everything

February 11, 2020
Hempfield says that some censorship rules are necessary to “protect the learning environment.” But does Hempfield need to censor things like looking up “Moby Dick?”
Censorship is defined as “the suppression of speech, public communication, or other information, on the basis that such material is considered objectionable, harmful, sensitive, or ‘inconvenient.’”
Hempfield tries to provide a “safe and healthy environment” for its kids. That includes censoring some websites. Some things should be censored, like the dark web, and pornography, but do they have to censor harmless searches, like looking up the rap star Lil’ Wayne’s album, “Funeral” or even “hot chocolate?”
It would be hard to stop censoring unnecessary censorship, without uncensoring everything, but Hempfield could do things to help the problem. For one, Hempfield could make a service that fixes unnecessary censorship, or at least takes suggestions on how to stop it. Also, Hempfield could prod Securly to at least give better reasons to why it censors what it censors. Hempfield needs to do something about unnecessary censorship, and it needs to be fast.
Abby Gingrich • Feb 12, 2020 at 2:43 pm
I feel like this is a big problem that I face every time I do a project on my iPad. It’s always hard to find good information and images from the iPads because it always blocks me. I agree that this is an issue but I also understand why the school certified devices would have heavy amounts of censorship.
Emily Musser • Feb 12, 2020 at 2:33 pm
While I understand some censorship, is there truly a reason to censor so much content? Maybe it would not be a such bad thing for some students to even be exposed to some real life topics without being called down to the office. As you pointed out, there is also clearly an issue with word censorship that should be resolved.
young2021 • Feb 12, 2020 at 2:31 pm
I definitely think that hempfield is dramatic about the internet searches. I have no idea why they cut off such random and not even bad websites but they need to stop if they think it’s helping to keep a safe environment. it’s just annoying
tarson2020 • Feb 12, 2020 at 2:30 pm
I believe that this is a topic that should be spoken on more and that you did a good job of explaining how absurd that the censorship can be.
janelle2020 • Feb 12, 2020 at 2:29 pm
I think the idea of Hempfield making a service that fixes the unnecessary censorship should be considered here at the school. This was a very powerful blog and I agree with your opinions about the censorship at Hempfield.