American Secondary Schools Block LGBT+ Advocacy Websites

Several secondary schools in America have been found blocking LGBT+ advocacy websites to their students, while allowing anti-gay sites to get through, reports Raw Story.

Billings Public Schools in Montana – which comprise of three high schools, six middle schools and 22 elementary schools – have blocked students from accessing Human Rights Watch, GLAAD, and other LGBT+ advocacy groups.

Brandon Newpher, Chief Information Director of Technology for Billings Public Schools, wrote in an email to staff that the “stricter web/internet filtering will be implemented as a way to improve network security and help protect students and staff.”

Websites seen promoting “Alternative Sexual Lifestyles (GLBT)” would be blocked.

“The use of Internet filtering tools to censor websites that advocate for the fair treatment of LGBT people is wrong and illegal,” said Jay Kaplan, ACLU of Michigan LGBT Project staff attorney.

“Many of these websites provide much-needed support and resources for LGBT youth during a critical time of their lives.

“By blocking LGBT websites, schools are sending a terrible message to students that LGBT voices are to be ignored and silenced.”

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