Leeds University Bans Facebook Criticism

Tagged as: culture repression
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The University of Leeds just released a new code of practice on social networking sites, which "must not be used as a platform for airing dissatisfaction or criticism of the University."<!--EndFragment-->

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On Wednesday, students and staff at the University of Leeds received an email about the university's new code of practice on social networking sites:

 

University’s Code of Practice on Social Networking Sites

The University recognises that its staff and students have the right to express themselves freely on social networking sites. However, it is a requirement that those who do so use such sites responsibly and in accordance with the law. Individual Members or students who are responsible for comments on social networking sites which bring the University into disrepute and/or contravene any regulations or code of conduct will be held to account under the relevant procedure [note: no details of "relevant procedure" are given].

Social networking sites must not be used as a platform for airing dissatisfaction or criticism of the University, its staff, students or facilities. Any such complaint should be addressed through the Complaints Procedure.

Protect Yourself

Follow a few simple rules to protect yourself on social networking sites:

  • Never give your account logon details to anyone.
  • Always ensure you log off before you leave your computer unattended.
  • Keep the publication of your personal details to a minimum.
  • Apply privacy settings so that only your trusted friends can see your personal details and review your settings regularly.
  • Do not post personal information that you use for authentication purposes, such as password reset, or bank account verification, which is secret to you – ie mother’s maiden name, first school, favourite food etc.
  • Once you write something and send it, you have to assume that it remains in the ether forever and that you, as the author, remain responsible for it.
  • Remember that many prospective employers trawl social networking sites for comments and contributions posted by applicants in order to assess their suitability for employment.
  • Report to your department or the ISS Help Desk anything posted about you that you find offensive or attacks you personally.
Use Social Networking Sites Responsibly

The University expects staff and registered students to use social networking sites in a responsible and considerate manner, with respect for the feelings and viewpoint of others .

  1. No posting, regardless of topic, must be in contravention of the law.
  2. You must not post any material which is confidential to the University or which brings the University into disrepute.
  3. You must not claim that your postings represent the viewpoint of the University or that you are acting on behalf of the University in what you write unless officially approved.
  4. You must adhere to the University’s policy on Dignity and Mutual Respect. The bullying and harassment of anyone is unacceptable. Whenever you post comments regarding staff or students it your responsibility to adhere to the University’s policy on Dignity and Mutual Respect.
  5. You must have the permission of individuals before posting their personal details and/or photographs of them and you must ensure that any images that you post are not in contravention of copyright or intellectual property right.
  6. You must not use the University’s logo or visual identity on social networking sites unless you are authorised to do so.
  7. You should never post a comment about a person that you would not be prepared to say to their face and would not like to be the recipient of yourself.
  8. You must exercise discretion, thoughtfulness and respect for others and remember that some people may not read your postings in the way in which you intended. Some individuals or groups may be offended by bad language or comments on sexuality or religion etc. If you accidentally offend others and they complain to you, consider their point of view and review your post. Could you express your point less provocatively? You should also consider deleting your post if necessary.

Source: http://campus.leeds.ac.uk/isms/guidelines/social_networking.html

Additions

Leeds University backs down

Leeds University backed down and freedom prevails.

Statement from the University:
“Due to a breakdown in communication, the draft code was released without having gone through the usual approval process and before it had been brought to the attention of the appropriate senior managers.

As soon as we discovered the mistake, the item was withdrawn from our website and the draft will be reviewed and revised before being reissued.

The University is absolutely committed to freedom of expression within the law. While we would wish to do all we can to protect students and staff from personal abuse, we would never seek to stifle criticism of the institution.

Indeed, we have recently drawn up a definition of academic freedom and collegiality which sets out a commitment to ensuring that staff have the right to criticise the functioning of higher education institutions, including their own.”