Internet Privacy Policy and Terms of Use

The Washington Education Association (WEA) adheres to the highest of Internet standards, protecting its users’ privacy, observing and championing Net etiquette, linking externally without endorsements, and aiming for factual information throughout. To that end, here’s a look at what we expect from users of our site.

Terms of use

By visiting the WEA/ProtectWashington Schools Web site, users agree that they will not use the site for any unlawful activity, or use it in any way that would violate the following terms and conditions.

This Web site is governed and construed by the laws of the State of Washington. Any use of the Web site shall comply with all State of Washington laws and regulations as well as with all federal laws and regulations. Any lawsuit or claim arising from this Web site shall be subject to exclusive jurisdiction of the state and federal courts of Washington state.

Linkage

WEA links to external web sites in the hope that users will find useful reference material on related subjects. Because WEA cannot control those sites, it cannot be held responsible for content included in them. Moreover, in no way should an external link be considered any form of endorsement by the WEA.

Use of communication forums

The WEA/ProtectWashington Schools Web site may contain surveys, legislative and community action sign up forms, threaded discussions, chat rooms, and other communication forums. By participating in any of these, users agree to send and receive messages that are both proper and related to the forum topic.

The following actions are prohibited:

• Defaming, harassing, threatening or otherwise violating the legal rights of others, including their privacy (see below);
• Misrepresenting one’s person, background, or character;
• Posting any defamatory, infringing, obscene, false, or unlawful material;
• Selling, advertising, or exchanging any goods or services unless expressly allowed;
• Posting any copyrighted material owned by a third party.
• Also, you agree to use any WEA forum at your own risk. While championing proper use of such forums, WEA cannot guarantee that violations of the above code will not occur.

Privacy

Like most Web sites, the WEA/ProtectWashington Schools Web site collects two types of information: anonymous information, and personally identifiable information.

By “anonymous information” we mean data that can’t be linked to specific individuals. We log user hits, visits, and sessions, but only capture information about the visiting user’s service provider. This information helps us create a better overall experience for Web site users. The statistics are compiled into Web site traffic reports, which help us understand, anticipate, and respond to user behavior.

“Cookies” are another type of anonymous information. A Web site cookie is a small text file that a web server (such as WEA’s) places on a user’s computer. When accessing a cookie, a web server reads a number associated with a browser, but is unable to determine any data about a user (nor, for that matter, can the server do anything else with a cookie, malicious or otherwise). With that number, a web server can tailor its information to the needs of the specific browser. We rarely use cookies.

By “personally identifiable information” we’re referring to data on specific individuals who have volunteered the information on certain WEA web pages. Data could include name, physical address, e-mail address, credit-card number, and so forth. Providing that information to us is purely voluntary and is used to serve you better. For example, when you fill in a comment form and give us your e-mail address, we’re able to respond to your question personally.

Personally identifiable information will be used by WEA only on an exceptional basis (such as when key legislative issues arise that web visitors may be interested in learning about), and will not be made accessible to unauthorized personnel at any time.

Who is collecting the information?

WEA collects anonymous and personal information, and occasionally contracts with partners to collect information on behalf of WEA as well. WEA and its partners adhere to the privacy policy you’re reading now.

How is the information protected?

WEA and partner web servers contain state-of-the-industry security precautions that prevent personal information from being stolen or tampered with.

Does WEA share the information with anyone?

Unless a user consents to such distribution, WEA will not sell, lease, or give away personally identifiable information to other organizations, governments, or private businesses within the limits of the law. Outside of legal requirements, information entered on the WEA/ProtectWashington Schools Web site will not be released to anyone without the consent of the user. WEA will conduct an annual evaluation to assure that individual privacy is protected.

If you have questions about privacy issues, please email dale folkerts at info@protectectwashingtonschools.org.