[FC-discuss] COPYFIGHT in Nashville, TN

[Chris Molinski]

free culture ppl,

PLEASE join us this Wednesday (Feb 27, 2008) 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!)

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*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.
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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!
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Senator Jamie Woodson, District 6 - Knox County:
sen.jamie.woodson at legislature.state.tn.us

 *and*

Sponsor: Senator Tim Burchett, District 7 - Knox County:
sen.tim.burchett at legislature.state.tn.us
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**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.

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We will be meeting to at the State Capitol in Nashville at 8AM Wednesday!
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(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/

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 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
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 http://www.theartgalleryofknoxville.com/