[11390] in Public-Access_Computer_Systems_Forum
FINS WEBSITE TERMINATED BY UMD
daemon@ATHENA.MIT.EDU (Vigdor Schreibman - FINS)
Tue Jun 17 20:48:31 1997
Date: Tue, 17 Jun 1997 17:02:44 -0500
From: Vigdor Schreibman - FINS <fins@access.digex.net>
To: PACS-L@LISTSERV.UH.EDU
Reply-To: Public-Access Computer Systems Forum <PACS-L@LISTSERV.UH.EDU>
----------------------------Original message----------------------------
===========================================================================
FINS SPECIAL REPORT June 17, 1997
===========================================================================
FINS WEBSITE TERMINATED BY UMD
First Amendment Issue Raised
Washington, DC--The University of Maryland, notified FINS editor
Vigdor Schreibman, Mon 16 June, 1997, that the inforM server, "will
no longer be able to host the FINS website." The URL is
http://www.inform.umd.edu/FINS/. Effective date of termination
will be June 30, 1997.
Schreibman is advising users that "we do not have the
resources at present to replaced the Fins Information-Age Library,
due to our status as a "techno peasant." FINS is now exploring the
feasibility of publishing the relevant data in CD-ROM or print
format, should there be sufficient market demand," Schreibman said.
The Federal Information News Syndicate (FINS) was invited 14
Dec 1993, to construct an archive at the inforM System of the
University of Maryland, as an approved information provider,
pursuant to authorized use policy (AUP). For more than three years
following that authorization, "Fins Information Age Library" was
constructed and maintained at the inforM system. The archive
included carefully selected documents in a subject tree format,
communicating the emerging philosophy of the Information Age, with
a set of directories and extensive sets of files making available:
(a) Relevant Information; (b) Critical Synthesis; and Dialogue.
Without any showing of cause, by dissatisfaction or complaint,
continuation of the FINS website was deemed, "inappropriate," by
email notice sent to FINS, 10 Mar 1997, signed by Lida Larsen,
Coordinator, On-line Information Resources, Academic Information
Technology Services, University of Maryland. This was purportedly
based on new guidelines for interpretation of the AUP, promulgated
by the University. The guidelines state, in pertinent part:
Computing resources are provided to support the academic
research, instructional, and administrative objectives of the
University. These resources are extended for the sole use of
University faculty, staff, students, and other authorized users
("users") to accomplish tasks related to the user's status at
UMCP, and consistent with UMCP's mission.
However, the new guidelines do not specifically authorize
termination of access to the inforM system for information
providers such as FINS. On the contrary, they authorize continued
access for a category of "other authorized users," implicitly
including such information providers who support the objectives
of the University. In view of the important First Amendment
issues at stake, which the University guidelines are specially
careful to recognize as, "Primary Principles: Freedom of
Expression ...", an explanation of the clear contradiction in
University policy was sought by FINS. This request was flatly
rejected by University officials.
FINS does not intend to pursue legal action in this case,
which "is typical of pervasive First Amendment violations on the
Net," Schreibman said. These cases, "cannot realistically be
defended by a journalist "with limited resources," Schreibman
added. The law suit filed by Schreibman against the US Capital,
Periodical Press Gallery, June 10, 1996, for unlawful refusal to
renew press credentials for Schreibman, also in clear violation of
the First Amendment, remains pending before the US District Court
for the District of Columbia. The case is being prosecuted by
attorney Marc Rotenberg.
See also Fins-NC5-02, "Internet laws of chaos and democracy,"
Jan 27, 1997.
============================================================================
PEOPLE POWER * RISE UP LIKE LIONS AFTER SLUMBER * WE ARE MANY, THEY ARE FEW
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Federal Information News Syndicate, Vigdor Schreibman, Editor & Publisher,
18 - 9th Street NE #206, Washington, DC 20002-6042. Copyright 1997 FINS.
Internet: fins@access.digex.net. Browse Fins Information Age Library at the
inforM system of the University of Maryland HTTP://www.inform.umd.edu/FINS/.
============================================================================
