Offensive Electronic Material Policy

Approved by IT Policy Committee on 22-Aug-01, endorsed by Academic Council on 15-May-02.

Summary

1. Offensive material must not be stored, displayed or communicated using University computers and networks.
2. What is “offensive” is as defined in the University’s policies on Discrimination, Harassment and Disabilities – ie it covers a multitude of bases for giving offence.
3. If you are offended by material you see, or believe others would be, you should report it.
4. If there are sound academic reasons for handling material which otherwise would be prohibited by this Policy, then formal approval should be sought and special care taken.

Details

1. As stated in the University’s Computer and Software Use Regulations (see HERE), no University IT facility may be used for the purpose of sending or attempting to send an obscene, abusive, fraudulent, threatening or unnecessarily repetitive message.

2. To elaborate on the above, no University facility may be used for the purpose of creating, obtaining, storing, transmitting or displaying material which is prohibited under any Australian Commonwealth or State legislation  including without limitation any regulations or policy statements, nor for transmitting or displaying material in a way likely to harass or cause offence.  Where a person creates and/or stores and/or transmits material using University facilities which may harass or cause offence if displayed or transmitted, then they should take reasonable precautions against it being seen accidentally by someone to whom they could reasonably expect it to give offence.

3. In this context, “offensive” or “harassing” material includes material that might give offence on various grounds, including all those covered by the University’s Policies on Discrimination, Harassment and Disabilities, viz Sex, Race, Marital Status, Pregnancy, Political Conviction, Religious Conviction, Impairment, Family Responsibility or Family Status, Age, and Sexual Preference (see http://www.hr.uwa.edu.au/policy/toc/perform_mgt/conduct_workplace).

4. Should someone have occasion to see material that they find to be offensive that has been deliberately sent to them or displayed in their sight by a member of the University, then this should be reported and pursued in accordance with established procedures for dealing with discrimination or harassment  (see http://www.hr.uwa.edu.au/policy/toc/perform_mgt/conduct_workplace).

5. Should anyone happen to become aware that such material exists on University facilities, even if not personally offended by it, then they should bring the matter to the attention of the Head of Department or other section of the University which is responsible for the computer concerned and/or person responsible.  That Head will take the necessary steps to investigate the material and, if it does not comply with this Policy, arrange to have it removed or to ensure that reasonable precautions are taken against accidental viewing;  if necessary, the computer concerned may be detached from any network connection pending the outcome of this investigation.

6. Occasionally, there may exist valid academic reasons for obtaining, holding or transmitting material that might be barred under this Policy.  If so, then the staff member or student concerned should obtain the prior written approval of their Executive Dean or equivalent, and should take every precaution to ensure that such material is not accidentally or otherwise displayed or transmitted in such a way as may be likely to cause offence.