In February, about 70 students were expelled from Harvard University for inappropriately collaborating on an open book, open note and open internet test. Administrators searched the e-mails of resident deans in order to discover who leaked the infor

mation about the cheating scandal to the media. The public was in an uproar­­­­­­­ — could staff e-mail accounts be searched without informing the owners? Was this an invasion of privacy?

What privacy expectations should Blue Valley students and staff have?

Student folders

1) No reasonable expectation of privacy

2) Student use of computer networks can be restricted or denied

3) Violation of Board of Education’s acceptable use policies may result in disciplinary action

4) Teachers and administrators have complete access to student folders

5) The student doesn’t have to be informed about a search

Student e-mail

1) No reasonable expectation of privacy 

2) Student use of school e-mail can be restricted or denied

3) Violation of Board of Education’s acceptable use policies may result in disciplinary action

Teacher e-mail

1) No reasonable expectation of privacy

2) The district may restrict access to communication technologies

3) Employees will be subject to disciplinary action in the event that they misuse communication technologies

4) The district reserves the right to access electronic files and account information (employee e-mail and voice mail) on district owned computers