Newsgroups: comp.admin.policy,alt.comp.acad-freedom.talk
From: kadie@cs.uiuc.edu (Carl M Kadie)
Subject:  Re: Is IRC channel a 'public forum'?
Message-ID: <C53I8M.K5M@cs.uiuc.edu>
Date: Wed, 7 Apr 1993 04:09:58 GMT

krol@ux1.cso.uiuc.edu (Ed Krol) writes:

>I guess the real problem arose because the people who were trying
>to hold the meeting were prevented from doing it by a person (actually
>two) who were irc bombing the channel.  (Using a script to send about
>1000 lines to the channel).  Then the operator kicked the people out
>of the channel and they tryed to mailbomb him personally.

The U. of Illinois has rules against disruptive and coercive action.
The standard is substantial interference with the rights of others.
University agents may act in the performance of their duties to end
"disorder". Penalties can be imposed after (and only after) a
disciplinary process.

Here are the potentially relevant parts of the rules (from the Code
on Campus Affairs):

---start quote---

Conduct for which students are subject to discipline or expulsion
include, without limitation, knowingly engaging in disruptive or
coercive action. Disruptive or coercive action include the following:

(1) Participation in a disruptive or coercive demonstration. A
demonstration is disruptive or coercive if it substantially impedes
University operations, or substantially interferes with the rights of
others, or takes place on premises or at times where students are not
authorized to be. There is no requirement that University authorities
order students to cease participation in a disruptive or coercive
demonstration.

[... (2) use of force or violence ...]

(3) Unauthorized entry to or use of property or facilities owned or
controlled by the University.

[... (4) physical abuse ...]

[... (5) endangering the safety or health of others ...]

[... (6) Theft and vandalism ...]

(7) Failure to comply with direction of a member or agent of the
University acting in the performance of her or his duty in connection
with a potential or actual disorder.

(8) Any conduct which substantially threatens or interferes with the
maintainence of appropriate order and discipline in the operation of
the University, or any conduct on University property or in connection
with a University activity which invades the rights of others. Without
excluding other situation, examples include shouting, noisemaking,
obstruction and other disruptive actions designed or intended to
interfere with or prevent meetings, assemblies, classes or other
scheduled or routine University operations or activities.

(9) Inciting, aiding, or encouraging others to engage in a disruptive
or coercive action.

When, through the disciplinary process, a student is found to have
knowingly engage in a disruptive or coercive action, as above defined,
the penalty will be dismissal or, upon a finding that substantial
mitigating circumstances exist, suspended dismissal or other sanctions
or coercive actions.
[....]
-----end quote---
-- 
Carl Kadie -- I do not represent any organization; this is just me.
 = kadie@cs.uiuc.edu =