Lizzie Brown– The school wifi is notoriously slow and often blocks certain apps and websites, much to the frustration of students. Next school year, over 3000 devices will be attempting to connect to the wifi, meaning more students than ever will see the blue blocked screen.

According to librarian Renee Isom, the school receives wifi access from the government, but to gain access, the school must comply with the Children’s Internet Protection Act. Blocked websites and the use of firewalls are necessary to comply with CIPA. As the website for the Federal Communications Commission says, it was enacted in 2000 and it was put in place to address concerns about children’s access to obscene or harmful internet content.

To be considered in compliance with CIPA, the school must block or filter internet access and pictures that are obscene, pornographic, or harmful to minors. The school must also monitor online activity of minors and provide education about appropriate online behavior.

“It’s really annoying because they block the websites and some of the websites that are blocked have some content like a swastika and if you’re doing a Hitler project then you need a picture of a swastika,” junior Adrian Meeks said.

A solution to the problem of wifi connectivity will be put in place over the summer. According to Isom, there will be wireless access points (WAPs) installed in every classroom and gathering space to ensure connectivity, so students will not face the frustration of getting kicked off.

“I think it will be more reliable [next year when they put in the WAPs] but the wifi still sucks now,” Meeks said.

Though dealing with the school wifi is a daily struggle for students trying to connect, blocking certain websites is necessary and installing more WAPs should increase connectivity.