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From: harbula@edinboro.edu (Dave Harbula)
Newsgroups: news.config
Subject: Re: U. of Hawaii uucp mail & Usenet news cutoff
Message-ID: <734@edinboro.edu>
Date: 13 Feb 90 02:41:09 GMT
References: <6484@uhccux.uhcc.hawaii.edu>
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Organization: Edinboro University of Pennsylvania
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In article <6484@uhccux.uhcc.hawaii.edu>, (Bob Cunningham) writes:
> A state legislative inquiry into the propriety of University support
> to "outside" computer systems has compelled the Universitiy of Hawaii
> to---temporarily, at least---shut off external uucp connections and
> Usenet news feeds.

I've been following this thread with some interest because as a state-owned
university it could probably happen here as well.

As paul@uxc.cso.uiuc.edu (Paul Pomes - UofIllinois CSO) pointed out,
> ...The state has an interest in
> how computer systems, bought with state money, are used...

Yeah, and it has nothing to do with censorship.  A state-owned university
could come under close scrutiny by providing free (or very cheap) services
to commercial organizations.  That could be considered unfair competition
because they are using public funds to subsidize these organizations at the
expense of others.  It's a fine line, but something to think about. 

The flip side is that these organizations are most likely to be the ones
that provide financial support through donations.

Fortunately we are still in a position where we are encouraged to provide
community support whenever possible.  The key phrase, however, is "whenever
possible".  Our first responsibility is still to our own campus, and the
State System of Higher Education who pays our bills.

	- Dave Harbula