Impose workplace rules at library

I’m disturbed to hear about the inappropriate Internet misuse at the Oak Park High School library. Our kids go there after school to study and wait for us to pick them up. We’ve always assumed it’s a safe and educational haven where they’re surrounded by peers and responsible adults. Now we find that the open access Internet policy has created a hostile environment for young students in the very building that was built to provide a safe learning place for them.

In the workplace, there are laws against offensive behavior. It’s inappropriate to post certain pictures. It’s inappropriate to expose coworkers to objectionable behavior or material. It’s inappropriate to have a "porno" workstation. If anyone at work did any of these things, they would be fired and any businesses that ignored such behavior would pay millions in damages from sexual harassment lawsuits.

The library is essentially a workplace setting for our young kids. Please don’t tell me, or the many parents in Oak Park, that our children’s workplace is helpless against offensive behavior that creates a hostile learning environment. Our professional workplace has legal safeguards against inappropriate behavior, yet our kids’ workplace is at risk of turning into a peep show complete with the possibility of private booths for perverted bullies who get a kick out of engaging in lewd and offensive behavior directed at parents and kids.

Adults are protected at the workplace against offensive behavior. Many parents, myself included, would be greatly relieved if the school takes quick and positive action to protect kids at their education workplace and keep the library a safe and harassment-free environment for library patrons.

Al Wong

Oak Park