The widespread use of the Lightspeed Filter Agent in educational institutions across the United States has raised significant concerns among students, educators, and parents. While this web filtering software is intended to protect students from harmful online content, its excessive and often arbitrary blocking of educational resources is impeding student learning.

Statistics reveal that over 80% of schools in the U.S. utilize filtering systems, often resulting in the blocking of sites that could be beneficial for educational purposes. Numerous reports and testimonies from teachers indicate that access to legitimate educational platforms and resources, such as those related to science, history, and current events, is frequently restricted by these filters.

Moreover, in an age where digital literacy is vital, the Lightspeed Filter Agent inadvertently limits students' ability to conduct research and engage with diverse information perspectives. This not only hampers their academic growth but also their preparedness for a world that heavily relies on digital fluency.

A comprehensive study conducted by the American Association of School Librarians highlighted how filters like Lightspeed create an additional barrier, making it difficult for students and educators to engage in enquiry-based learning and critical thinking. Such barriers are particularly pronounced in low-income schools, where students have fewer resources at home and rely heavily on their school's internet access.

It’s crucial that we address these concerns by calling for a ban on the Lightspeed Filter Agent and advocating for more balanced and flexible internet filtering solutions. These solutions should empower teachers with the autonomy to override pre-set filters, ensuring students have access to the necessary digital tools and information.

We urge policymakers, educational boards, and school administrations to take immediate action and review the implications of utilizing the Lightspeed Filter Agent. Join us in ensuring our educational environments are conducive to comprehensive learning and digital growth.

1st Point: Kids Can get around this causing this program to be obsolete already. People have already found ways to get into the websites you tell them to block. It is useless and a waste of money. Instead that money can go into supplies and for educational purposes instead of wasting it on this. Our teachers are suffering with this. Today My ELA Teacher said that important resources that she used to teach were blocked by Lightspeed. We have already got into social media and Youtube and the website clearly states that “Take control of YouTube and social media.” 

 2nd Point: This Is like GoGuardian. They are spying on students to “Stay focused in class to stay safe online.” This is making students even less focused because the students are trying to find ways to bypass this. This is a serious invasion of privacy and can be misused by certain people. This is way too much power for something that doesn’t have a brain.

 3rd Point: They are blocking images that are innocent like Pictures of Gandhi, dogs, slices of bread, toasters, and all pictures on wikipedia. This AI is very inaccurate and it blocks stuff that isn’t bad at all.

Sign this petition to make your voice heard and support the pursuit of a more open and educationally supportive internet.

"We need to get into their systems, show that data leaks happen, and show that thousands of students' personal information can be compromised at any moment. Otherwise, no one ever will care.”

-Hunter & Levi