PLEASE join us this Wednesday at the State Capitol in Nashville to fight against a Bill restricting the exchange of information at all institutions of higher learning. (if you are not able - please spread the word to others!)
--------------------------------------------------------------------- *SB3974 by *Burchett, *McNally. (HB3915 by *Rinks.) Requires institutions of higher education to develop a policy prohibiting copyright infringement by persons using the school's computer and network resources and take certain steps to prevent such infringement. - Amends TCA Title 49, Chapter 7. --------------------------------------------------------------------- It is remarkable that a proposal such as this one would move forward. The proposal degrades our institutions and prevents the honest exchange of knowledge. To demand that any College or University police the exchange of information among it's students is shameful. This kind of action is put forward under pressure from lobby organizations such as the MPAA and the RIAA. This kind of oppressive thinking has limited great developments in knowledge sharing - and prevents the use of tools that could dramatically advance our educational system. By enacting a Law such as this one, our own state will enforce a strange and abusive system that will limit the possibilities for new advances in the exchange of knowledge. Our side needs to step it up! EMAIL the chair of the Education Committee to protest! --------------------------------------------------------------------- Senator Jamie Woodson, District 6 - Knox County: [EMAIL PROTECTED] *and* Sponsor: Senator Tim Burchett, District 7 - Knox County: [EMAIL PROTECTED] --------------------------------------------------------------------- **TENNESSEE S.B. 3974 - PIRACY/DIGITAL RIGHTS MANAGEMENT Sponsor: Senator Tim Burchett (R) Summary: Requires every public institution of higher learning to, by January 15 of each year: (a) develop and enforce a policy defining computer and network usage that clearly describes and prohibits the infringement of copyrighted works over the school's computer and network resources; (b) thoroughly analyze its computer network, including local area and internal networks to determine whether it is being used to transmit copyrighted information and either: (1) certify to the Tennessee Higher Education Commission that an analysis indicates that the network is not being used to transmit copyrighted works and that the institution has not received ten or more legally valid notices of infringement in the preceding year or (2) take affirmative steps to prevent the infringement of copyrighted works over the school's computer and network resources. Takes effect upon enactment. http://www.legislature.state.tn.us/bills/currentga/BILL/SB3974.pdf Status: Introduced January 30, 2008. Referred to the Senate Education Committee February 6. Hearing scheduled THIS WEDNESDAY February 27. --------------------------------------------------------------------- We will be meeting to at the State Capitol in Nashville at 8AM Wednesday! --------------------------------------------------------------------- (The Tennessee State Capitol is located on Charlotte Avenue between 6th and 7th Avenues in Nashville. I-24, I-40 and I-65 have signs indicating the exits to be used for the State Capitol) Bring yourselves and get your COPYFIGHT on! Email us to coordinate. COPYSHOP, Knoxville http://copy-shop.org/knoxville/ --------------------------------------------------------------------- UPCOMING EVENT: The Oil Of The 21st Century (V1.1) Perspectives On Intellectual Property Oil21.org/ FRIDAY MARCH 7 5 pm: General Rights Management 7 pm: File-Sharing as Culture Industry SATURDAY MARCH 8 3 pm: Keep Up Your Rights, Case by Case 5 pm: The Poverty of the Small Author --------------------------------------------------------------------- http://www.theartgalleryofknoxville.com/
