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Student Web site still banned by principal, editor says


© 2002 Student Press Law Center

October 31, 2002

PENNSYLVANIA – The principal at Carbon County Vocational-Technical School has not removed a computer network block on a student-run Web site as was originally reported on Oct. 21.

According to Web site editor James Curry, The Babbitt site remains blocked on all school computers, contrary to reports that Principal Paul Caputo said he removed the block nearly two weeks ago.

The Student Press Law Center as well as the Morning Call of Allentown, Penn. reported that Caputo agreed to lift the block on the Web site as long as it caused no disruption at school.

In an article in the Morning Call, Caputo said, “the students have demonstrated the ability to report on the issues in a way that is balanced. It’s their opinion, and as long as they characterize what they write as their opinion, not fact, and stay away from personal attacks, we’ll allow access.”

The Babbitt, an online news site run by students, first drew the ire of Carbon County Vo-Tech administrators when it reported that a teacher had falsified a disciplinary referral form. Caputo alleged that the site had caused serious disruption when he initially blocked it in January 2002.

Curry said he has tried to reach Caputo for an explanation and has received no reply.

Caputo did not return voicemails and messages left with his office. Robert Keegan in the executive director’s office of the Carbon County Intermediate Unit, which controls Carbon County Vo-Tech Internet service, could not be reached.


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