Librarian Suit: Computer Porn Use Lead to Groping While Children Present
- Posted on September 9, 2010 at 9:43am by
Jonathon M. Seidl
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A Birmingham, Alabama librarian has filed a federal lawsuit alleging a hostile work environment because, according to her, the public library where she is employed is filled with men surfing the internet for porn who sometimes grope her and perform lewd acts in front of children.
According to ABC News, 10-year Birmingham Public Library veteran Barbara Ann Wilson alleges that the library is a “sexually charged hostile work environment.”
“I don’t think people realize that if you send your kids to the downtown library in cities like these, they better think twice,” Wilson’s lawyer, Adam Morel, told ABC. “There is stuff going on that quite frankly shocks me, and taxpayers are funding the place.”
What kind of stuff? “They are using the computer to access hard-core porn in front of other patrons and children, and some of these people manipulate themselves in the open library,” Morel said.
Morel also said that Wilson has made multiple written and oral complaints to her employer, but to no avail, and has even filed at least one police report.
While the library’s computers do have filters, those filters can be turned off at the request of any adult, the ABC report says. Officially, the library’s policy allows staff to end internet sessions if patrons are viewing graphic sexual images in sight of children, or anything involving sex with minors, or anything that encourages others to break the law.
Yet Morel alleges that Wilson and other employees have tried, but are met with hostility and sexual comments. When they have called security to handle the issue, “security rolls their eyes like it’s her problem,“ and say they can only do something if they ”catch them in the act.”
Attempts by ABC to contact the central branch of the Birmingham Public Library and its administration, and the press office at City Hall, were unsuccessful. Wilson, who is suing the Birmingham Library Foundation and the City of Birmingham, was also unavailable for comment.
Chris Hansen of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) told ABC that if Wilson’s allegations of being touched are true, and nothing was done about it, she has a case.
“But the fact that the patrons in the library are accessing sexual material she doesn’t like is not sexual harassment.”
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Comments (53)
Spirit-of-76
Posted on September 9, 2010 at 2:47pmSounds like a great opportunity for clergy (especially those who wear garb) to walk the computer area at the library. Do that for a couple of weeks and all the pervs will be gone or confronted.
Report Post »Pierce
Posted on September 9, 2010 at 3:58pmActually you do have a point there!!
Report Post »Spirit-of-76
Posted on September 9, 2010 at 5:03pmRight. I mean the moral standard at the library is unacceptable. Obviously the library itself through security, management, etc. allow this to happen, with the exception of one or maybe a few librarians. Bring in the representatives of a higher standard and those scumbags will feel it in their soul. Either they‘ll be gone or they’ll repent.
Report Post »The Bees
Posted on September 9, 2010 at 9:56pmWe can all pray for repent. But I’ll settle for gone!!
I still just can’t wrap my head around this…… these dopey imbeciles were doing this with children around. It takes a lot to get my blood boiling… but in this case my veins are pumping steam!
We need to pray for everyone involved here but especially for those children…….
Report Post »bookofwisdom
Posted on September 9, 2010 at 2:42pmI’m behind you PIERCE….Can I bring Smith & Wesson with me?
Report Post »Pierce
Posted on September 9, 2010 at 3:56pmSmith, Wesson, Colt, & Barretta.
Seems they got a lot of adults who thinks viewing porn in front of children is OK. Best to make sure we have something for every one!! LOL
I think I read somewhere that when an Adult shows porn to a Child you can invoke the freebie law.
That being the use of that Adult for target practice free of charge.
Somehow I think we just infuriated 99.9% of the liberal loons! LOL
Report Post »missmarie
Posted on September 9, 2010 at 2:35pmHave we really gotten to the point that we are defending the right to view porn and commit lewd acts in taxpayer-funded public places and are unconcerned with the impact that may have on the children in same taxpayer-funded public places? Seriously???? Lord, please, help us!!!!
Report Post »Alydia
Posted on September 9, 2010 at 1:50pmYeah, porn and government….they go hand in hand!
Report Post »Pierce
Posted on September 9, 2010 at 1:48pmIs it possible that we have so lost our moral compass that a librarian has to stand up to her employer, her employers security force, and the idiots viewing the porn to protect the children.
Give me a job in security at this library… 1 day that’s all it would take…. no more porn in the library problem!
You go girl!
Report Post »Bunnie
Posted on September 9, 2010 at 1:11pm*Chris Hansen of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) ************* It is time to start holding these people ei…Chris Hansen of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)*** *Chris Hansen of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) ************* It is time to start holding these people ei…Chris Hansen of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)***ACCOUNTABLE for their support for this type of behavior! When will people protest in his front house, like the UNION does at NON-union members homes?
Report Post »Asher
Posted on September 9, 2010 at 12:51pmThat is totally lame. These people must get off on publically exposing themselves.
Report Post »At least she’s trying to do something about it. As it is, she has the right to protect herself against any sexual advance of anyone trying to touch her. I‘d tazer a ****** who I thought was ’thretening’ me! *shrugs*
Okpulot Taha
Posted on September 9, 2010 at 12:42pmPeople looking at pornography is public libraries reminds me of civil servants sitting in their government office cubicles, looking at pornography all day.
“More than two dozen SEC employees and contractors over roughly the past two years have faced internal investigations after they were caught viewing pornography on their government computers, according to records obtained through the Freedom of Information Act and other public documents.”
- Jim McElhatton, Washington Times, “SEC workers investigated for porn-surfing”
Okpulot Taha
Report Post »Choctaw Nation
MrButcher
Posted on September 9, 2010 at 12:04pm“ACLU: Give Public Masturbation in Libraries a Fair Shake” —–that should be the headline. what the hell is wrong with people?
Report Post »Corinthian in TN
Posted on September 9, 2010 at 12:02pmThis is why GOVERNMENT should NOT be running Libraries. At least a privately run Library can tell these Human Bottom Feeders (who feel the government should be providing free Porn) to go somewhere else. Furthermore, this is another example of Judical Lack-of-Restraint. Viewing Porn is NOT Freedom of Speech, and keeping anyone from accessing material of ANY SORT on a Library Computer (when there are other avenues one can access to obtain Internet Access) is NOT infringing your Rights.
Report Post »Leroy
Posted on September 9, 2010 at 2:07pm^^ This.
Take the government out of it, and allow private citizens to do what they want. Apply this to every current political topic, and you’ll find it works out quite nicely.
Report Post »GlennBeckIsADemagogue
Posted on September 9, 2010 at 4:26pmPrivatize the libraries? gimme a break
Report Post »THX-1138
Posted on September 9, 2010 at 11:58amEasy enough; quit funding public libraries that have internet. There is nothing in the Constitution that says I have to pay for your internet porn (or a library for that matter). Wanna surf porn? Start a Porn Cafe.
Done.
Report Post »The Windmill of Stupidity
Posted on September 9, 2010 at 12:01pm…
You know what…
That IS BRILLIANT! Probably been done though. And besides, its probably easier through private connections anyway.
Report Post »The Windmill of Stupidity
Posted on September 9, 2010 at 11:54amHaven’t any of you heard? The internet is for porn.
Report Post »Republic
Posted on September 9, 2010 at 11:42amOn the flip-side, our local library system is being sued for NOT allowing patrons to access porn sites on the libraries computers. I happen know (not friends with) 2 persons that are party to the lawsuit that want the porn in the library. I know that you readers will find it shocking that they are both Socialists and frequently wear pro Che Guevara’ t-shirts. They recently were employed as census workers.
Report Post »This is the mind set of the liberal/socialist/progressive agenda we are faced with.
debak
Posted on September 9, 2010 at 11:12amBeing that most librarians and libraries are Union controlled, there will be nothing done about this.
Report Post »Scramblin
Posted on September 9, 2010 at 10:51amHow about putting a camera up behind the computers and a big sign that says if you access porn in the presence of children, we will use this video evidence to prosecute you for a violation of state law. You will then be classified a sexual predator. The security officers that are too dumb or slow to actually handle this might need a class or 2 to learn how to work those really tricky camera things, but i guess that’s why they are guarding books.
Report Post »\
fourfreedom
Posted on September 9, 2010 at 10:29amThe public library using Tax Payer computers is not the place to surf lewd and pornographic materials why don’t they put a kill switch in at the librarian desk, where they can kill or switch the site to the library home page. The pervs can take it to the privacy of their own homes.Have them sign an agreement in order to access the internet and a three strikes clause, happens three times you lose computer privileges, I am assuming they have library cards to use the computers.
Report Post »VanGrungy
Posted on September 9, 2010 at 10:21amWhat’s next?.. a lawsuit to force libraries to build jerk off booths for pron surfers?
Report Post »Jaybo
Posted on September 9, 2010 at 11:37am“What’s next?.. a lawsuit to force libraries to build jerk off booths for pron surfers?”
I‘m surprised it hasn’t happened yet… that might put the private “peep shows” out of business though…
Report Post »ironcowboy
Posted on September 9, 2010 at 10:21amThis is sadistically funny and amusing to me! This librarian, bless her heart, has probably voted Democrat for the last twenty years, thinking she was supporting performing arts and bestowing freedom of speech for all the oppressed Americans who are so economically challenged that they cannot afford a home computer with net access. (wow that was a long sentence) Yet, she is now aghast at the environment that she most likely supported, contributed to, and created to all along. That’s darn funny! Like a pig waking up one day and saying, DANG I live in a mud pit, how’d that happen!
She offends herself by the offensive environment that she likely created… I call that Karma! Is it just me, or do others find naughty librarians attractive? Well, my computer is at home! This is funny!
Report Post »Midwest Belle
Posted on September 9, 2010 at 10:20amI‘ve always wondered why libraries can’t block porn. Rights? I don’t think so.
Report Post »GodsDotr
Posted on September 9, 2010 at 10:18amWhatever you do, don’t touch the keyboard or mouse at the library–any library!
Report Post »Okiegal
Posted on September 9, 2010 at 10:17amI think that Porn should not be allowed to be accessed in a public library…there has got to be a way to permanantly block it being viewed?
Yes yes, I know free speech and all that, but hey, lets do the right thing on moral grounds, and to protect the innocent kiddies.
Report Post »VanGrungy
Posted on September 9, 2010 at 10:26amIf it’s against the law to display porn to children, have the perverts charged…
Report Post »jbhansen
Posted on September 9, 2010 at 10:55amIf porn is harmful for children, what is it about being an adult that all of a sudden makes it okay? It is disgusting no matter what age you are, and the things it causes people to think and do are not things I want to be supporting with my public tax dollars.
Report Post »Spring To Action Vote
Posted on September 9, 2010 at 2:35pmGo to a town hall push to have a vote on it to make it a law for them to go straight to jail. May have to get a petition with signatures for this to be put to a vote. 99.9% will sign. It is not a matter for the gov to decide this. It is child protection act.
Report Post »rcw_68
Posted on September 9, 2010 at 2:52pmActually there could be a way to block ALL porn content with ease. Create a seperate domain just for porn. Example- .xxx or .adu or something. This way an easy filter could be created. I know, I know, the Anti Civil Liers Unite would call it censorship, but the fact of the matter is it would still be voluntary, so it”s not censorship. Viewing porn publicly IS illegal, it’s called the federal obcenities act. I would really like to see a lawyer take this on and protect our children!!!!!!!!!!
Report Post »misscandyapple
Posted on September 22, 2010 at 11:43amI so agree. U wish there was a way to stop porn all together on the web. But to look at it in a public place is just WRONG. And you wonder why we have pedafiles in the world.
Report Post »pinkcadlac
Posted on September 9, 2010 at 10:13amSick of this convoluted logic. The pervs have the “right to watch what they want”, (and on taxpayer’s dollars!!). How about a little old concept called “decency?” This country is precariously perched at the brink of hell. There is far too much “tolerance” these days. I say: let’s start OFFENDING some of these losers.
Report Post »The Windmill of Stupidity
Posted on September 9, 2010 at 11:51amIF you ask me, I find there is hardly any tolerance nowadays.
Report Post »David Foxfire
Posted on September 9, 2010 at 1:37pmPersonally, I think we’re offending them just by our existence.
Report Post »TomBurpee
Posted on September 9, 2010 at 9:52am“sexually charged hostile work environment.”
I feel a little sick.
“But the fact that the patrons in the library are accessing sexual material she doesn’t like is not sexual harassment.”
Report Post »Still gross.. Very gross..
Conservative American
Posted on September 9, 2010 at 11:01amI have worked in a library situation, and based on my personal experience, “libraries are hostile work environments”….I was sexually harrassed by my Director….reported the incident and nothing was done, we are both female. I eventually left the library….the open hiring policies, non-discrimination, etc., lead to questionalbe employees being hired. Also, the laws regulating what can be accessed on the public computers does encourage perversion…perversion leads to actions and comments that are not acceptable to many individuals.
Report Post »CurlyJ49
Posted on September 9, 2010 at 9:52amI’m all for giving librarians tazers…
Report Post »galesreed
Posted on September 9, 2010 at 4:39pmAmen!
Report Post »Ming The Merciless
Posted on September 9, 2010 at 5:24pmGreat idea!
Report Post »MikeinIdaho
Posted on September 9, 2010 at 9:50amWell well, whoda’ thunk! The ACLU defends the perverts and encourages lewd acts in front of children. they must be soooooooo proud of the great work they are doing, huh?
Report Post »And before you say it, I know people have rights, but so do children and librarians who don’t want to be groped by dirty old men!
GlennBeckIsADemagogue
Posted on September 9, 2010 at 10:03amMike, you obviously didn’t read what was written here.
Report Post »VanGrungy
Posted on September 9, 2010 at 10:18am“But the fact that the patrons in the library are accessing sexual material she doesn’t like is not sexual harassment.”
The ACLU believes in Public Porn… It’s that simple…
Report Post »The Windmill of Stupidity
Posted on September 9, 2010 at 11:48amNothing wrong with public porn, its unfair to those who don’t have private computers. In fact they should make an adult computer user area, that would solve the problem. Sheesh.
Spring To Action Vote
Posted on September 9, 2010 at 2:25pmAnti Christ Lucifer Union
Report Post »t00nces2
Posted on September 10, 2010 at 9:23pm… or maybe the library can be a porn free zone. If you want to take advantage of porn, get a job, save your money, buy a computer, and watch the porn in the privacy of your own home.
Report Post »