Schools use Peeping Tom technology ? WTF ?

Lower Merion School District of Ardmore, Pa., has generated a lot of controversy lately with a story about the web cameras on school laptop computer being activated remotely, to in effect "spy" on unsuspecting students as they were using the laptops.

The laptops were issued by the school district and are the property of the school district. The main complaint it seems comes from a kid, whom was called into the assistant principals office and accused of drug use or sales, I am not sure which (maybe both), based on some still photographs. The kid says he was eating candy.

The story isn't clear what the actual complaint was other than saying the assistant principal accused the kid of "improper behavior in his home". Of course the parents are totally pissed off and pretty upset, they have retained counsel, filed motions, are either suing the school district or are contemplating a suit , I can't remember which.

The school district says the only time (42 times) they have activated the cameras was when the laptop was reported stolen, as it is part of some "security" software to help locate stolen laptops. They went on to further defend their actions saying that only two school employees had access to the software, that the assistant principal didn't actually turn the software on and the only thing he saw was a still snapshot taken of the behavior.

I think that about sums up the story as it is being reported today. Wow. I am stunned by the stupidity and think my dogs would make better decisions than these clueless losers are capable of making.

Peeping Tom Technology used to spy on students

My initial reaction is kind of like "WTF". "Are you all a bunch of morons?, Are you guys stupid ?, Were you high when you made this decision? I wonder whose bright idea this was? Were they smoking crack ?

Did no one in this school district do a worst case scenario assessment ?

Can you imagine this scenario ? A 13 year old girl leaves the laptop on her desk, lid up and laptop on. It is facing her closet. They turn on the camera, while coincidentally she is changing clothes and footage of her 13 year old naked body is taken and sent back to the school where someone reviews it to see what the footage contains. I know that is a little bit bizarre but it is entirely plausible don't you think?

Teenage girls (I've had three) change clothes about 12 times a day. They shut the doors to their rooms like they are guarding the Fort Knox gold. I'm not sure any of them would think twice about a laptop on their desk being capable of taking pictures of them without their knowledge though.

If this was my kid, I would be in jail right now. Somebody, maybe that assistant principal would have just gotten his butt kicked. He would have a hard time smiling for the next family photo because he would have had to do it without any friggin teeth.

Don't forget, these are the same kind of people whom are educating your kids. They suspend , discipline and expel children every day for drawing pictures of guns, for having a nail file because it could be a weapon, for having an asthma inhaler because it is a drug, for having Tylenol or Midol due to the cramps and for all other kinds of the goofiest crap you have ever heard of. One school system in Illinois tried to withhold diplomas a couple of years ago because at the graduation ceremonies, their families were too loud, by cheering for their children thereby causing a disruption. One of the kids was the valedictorian.

I hope this family cleans their clocks. These people had no right being in the home on camera, not to mention no legal standing to make any kind of accusation to begin with. What a bunch of arrogant idiots.I for one have had it with the stupidity exhibited by people with so much education that they are stupid.

Thankx for reading my rant !

bigmike

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