LIBERTYVILLE, Ill. – The board of education of Community High School District 128 unanimously approved rule changes May 22 that make illegal or inappropriate blogging or social networking over the Internet a violation of the student code of conduct.
Starting next year, students at Libertyville and Vernon Hills High Schools who participate in extracurricular activities will be required to sign a pledge agreeing that this type of behavior could lead to disciplinary action. According to district officials, approximately 80 percent of the students will be required to comply because that is the percentage of pupils who participate in activities like athletics, school clubs and fine arts groups.
School officials contend the changes are intended to raise awareness about Internet blogging and its pitfalls, as well as make students more aware that they are responsible for their online postings.
According to the Chicago Tribune, the district will not regularly check student sites for violations. They will, however, monitor the sites if they get a tip or indication that this type of action is necessary.
