When I was in high school, a similar filter meant the kids who didn't normally have the time of day for computer geeks were doing all kinds of independent research into proxy and VPN technology.
Of course, this effect wasn't intended, and I doubt the teachers knew about it (AFAIK nobody told them, and even if they had, I doubt the message would've been understood).
I think the reason they do it is liability: The school wants to be able to tell parents that they made commercially reasonable efforts to ensure their kids weren't exposed to inappropriate materials in school.
> It's crazy that people are ok with it.
Not really. A school library wouldn't have hard-copy Playboy magazines for students to peruse. Choosing not to allow access to the online equivalent isn't that much of a step. Parents who trust their kids with uncensored Internet access can still provide it at home.
Of course, this effect wasn't intended, and I doubt the teachers knew about it (AFAIK nobody told them, and even if they had, I doubt the message would've been understood).
I think the reason they do it is liability: The school wants to be able to tell parents that they made commercially reasonable efforts to ensure their kids weren't exposed to inappropriate materials in school.
> It's crazy that people are ok with it.
Not really. A school library wouldn't have hard-copy Playboy magazines for students to peruse. Choosing not to allow access to the online equivalent isn't that much of a step. Parents who trust their kids with uncensored Internet access can still provide it at home.