Eliminate the Use of GoGuardian Software in EISD Schools

Recent signers:
Patrick Sun and 19 others have signed recently.

The Issue

GoGuardian software, though intended as an educational protective measure, has its fair share of drawbacks. Implemented in our schools' digital devices, this program inevitably impedes independence and the freedom of exploration, fostering a rigid learning environment. This petition calls for the removal of the GoGuardian application from all of our school devices. According to statistics from the Center for Digital Education (CDE), there is growing concern over the extent of student monitoring, with many stakeholders advocating for a balance between safety and freedom. The CDE further reveals that 82% of students feel that excessive Internet filtering and surveillance stifle their academic progress. Our goal is to encourage the school administration to consider these statistics and strike a balance that offers protection while promoting academic growth and freedom. Please support our cause and sign the petition. For any questions feel free to email whs.sudents.against.goguardian@gmail.com.

avatar of the starter
Whs students against Go Guardian WhsPetition Starter
Media inquiries

568

Recent signers:
Patrick Sun and 19 others have signed recently.

The Issue

GoGuardian software, though intended as an educational protective measure, has its fair share of drawbacks. Implemented in our schools' digital devices, this program inevitably impedes independence and the freedom of exploration, fostering a rigid learning environment. This petition calls for the removal of the GoGuardian application from all of our school devices. According to statistics from the Center for Digital Education (CDE), there is growing concern over the extent of student monitoring, with many stakeholders advocating for a balance between safety and freedom. The CDE further reveals that 82% of students feel that excessive Internet filtering and surveillance stifle their academic progress. Our goal is to encourage the school administration to consider these statistics and strike a balance that offers protection while promoting academic growth and freedom. Please support our cause and sign the petition. For any questions feel free to email whs.sudents.against.goguardian@gmail.com.

avatar of the starter
Whs students against Go Guardian WhsPetition Starter
Media inquiries

The Decision Makers

Eanes Independent School Board
2 Members
1 Responded
James Spradley
James Spradley
Eanes Independent School Board - Place 4
“Greetings, On behalf of the Board and administration, thank you for taking the time to share your concerns about GoGuardian. I appreciate the initiative you’ve shown in raising awareness among your peers and advocating on an issue that is clearly important to you. While the Board does not directly decide which specific software the administration chooses to use, we are responsible for overseeing district policy and ensuring that no policies are being violated. I asked the administration to provide more information about how GoGuardian is being used in Eanes ISD and to confirm that its implementation complies with district policies. Here is some important information they provided: “Eanes ISD is required by CIPA to filter internet content for all K-12 students. Additionally, if students find instructional resources that are inadvertently being blocked, they can visit the student help desk, available at WHS, or use the shortcut on their district devices (24/7/365) to request assistance in getting the resource unblocked. Our turnaround time has been one day." "As for the claims about the software accessing the camera, microphone and keyboard on the devices those are completely false. GoGuardian is setup to monitor web searches and web history only. The settings on each device for all students and staff has always been to allow Eanes ISD devices to join other wireless networks, including public networks, allowing students and staff to travel and study where needed." It’s important to consider that the iPads issued to students are owned by Eanes ISD. Much like in the professional world, where companies often install monitoring software on company-owned devices, Eanes ISD installs monitoring tools to support the educational mission and ensure network safety. When receiving your district device, you (or your parents) signed an acknowledgment that the device and network activity would be monitored. This is standard practice across school districts and businesses alike. GoGuardian plays a role in maintaining the security of the district’s network, placing appropriate restrictions on content, and ensuring that district-provided devices are used for their intended purpose: education. Monitoring tools like this also help protect students and the district’s resources from potential online threats. I understand that this is a topic many students feel strongly about, and I respect your efforts to bring attention to it. If you have additional information you’d like to share, please don’t hesitate to reach out again. Specifically, if you feel that GoGuardian is restricting your ability to learn the material that is being covered by your instructors, please let me know. Kind regards, James James C. Spradley President, Board of Trustees”
Kim McMath
Kim McMath
Eanes Independent School Board - Place 1
Aicha Davis
Aicha Davis
Former Texas State Board of Education - District 13

Supporter Voices

Petition Updates

Share this petition

Petition created on January 23, 2025