H.R. 5319, the Deleting Online Predators Act (DOPA)

[theteach <theteach@theteachonline.net>]

Received on another list.  I have not heard of this House Bill, but wonder 
if any of you have and wonder if it is something that should concern this 
community.

alex


> URGENT Action Needed:
>
> The Washington Office has learned that the House may try to
> expedite passage of H.R. 5319, the Deleting Online Predators Act
> (DOPA), TOMORROW, July 26th.
>
> PLEASE  CALL YOUR REPRESENTATIVES TODAY and ask that they oppose HR
> 5319. Capitol Switchboard number is: 202-224-3121.
>
> Background:
>
> DOPA is sponsored by Rep. Fitzpatrick (R-PA) and supported by the
> House Republican Suburban Caucus. It would require that, as a
> condition of receiving E-Rate support, all schools and libraries
> block access to social networking websites and chat rooms.
>
>
> The bill raises a number of issues:
>
> 1) Local school districts and libraries should determine what content 
> should flow into schools and libraries. Federal mandate over content 
> control is very problematic.
>
> 2) Districts and libraries already have the power to block access to 
> social networking sites and chat rooms and a number of them have already 
> done so.
>
> 3) DOPA imposes yet another burden on schools and libraries 
> participating in the E-rate and may deter many from continuing to 
> participate.
>
> 4) This bill paints an unflattering and distorted view of the Internet 
> as a whole, serving to scare away parents, students, teachers and 
> librarians from making use of all its resources.
>
> Last week, YALSA Executive Director Beth Yoke testified on DOPA before 
> the House Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet on DOPA. 
> You can read her testimony here:http:// 
> www.ala.org/ala/washoff/WOissues/techinttele/DOPA_testimony.pdf.
>
>
> ******

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