[Public] Journal Entry: Jake Jensen

[om_backlash]

We have something to tell everyone and we're sorry for not saying it until now. Jensen found out by accident a while ago and would have told you all sooner, but Tessa bought his silence with blackmail. There is no other way to put it.

Up until she left the school, Tessa had been monitoring all of the students. Every email and IM, every Google search, every saved document… You name it; she’s probably been reading it.

This might not matter to some of you. Maybe you already knew, or maybe you’re glad someone was watching. And that’s fine. But, it matters to us. We know Tessa meant well. We know she had good reasons for doing it, but, to us, that doesn’t make it any less of an invasion of privacy. Or a betrayal of the students’ trust. There was no discussion or agreement about monitoring the students. She wasn’t elected to this position. She just took it upon herself to do it.

We're not telling everyone this because we want them to pick up their pitchforks and go all angry mob on Tessa. We get why she monitored the students. We don’t agree with how she went about doing it, but we totally get it. The world we live in is dangerous and we need to be careful. The reason we're telling everyone is just because we feel like they deserve to know. That’s all.

In that same spirit, you should all know that Barbara, who is now in charge of the school's e-security, is not taking the same measures.

Thanks for taking the time to read this. We’ll try to answer any questions if you have any.

- Jensen and Simon B.

Comments

(laughing forever bc this is basically the plot of cap 2)

[om_patriot]

Unfortunately, whether or not Tessa acted with good intentions, it doesn't erase the fact that what she did was illegal, and a violation of each student's personal liberties. People have a right to personal freedom, and a right to privacy. We should not be expected to give up those freedoms out of fear, and they certainly should not be taken them from us without our knowledge. It is immoral, unethical, and unjust.

What is personally disgusting to me is the power imbalance in place here. For the sake of argument, let's say that Tessa did have some sort of informed consent in place. This is the only place in the world, to our knowledge, that a group of marginalized children can go to learn how to harness their abilities, be among their peers, and be safe from those who would do them harm. We've all seen a young girl murdered on national television just for being what we are. Consent under coercion or because a child (or anyone) feels as though they have no other choice is not consent.

Another point is what this opens us up to. We are at a pivotal moment in history, and our actions will shape the lives of mutantkind for years to come. We have an duty to those who come after us to do this right. Now, think about how the American public responded to news of the NSA's spying. Think of the outrage.

Now, think what would happen if it became public that a mutant was doing this type of thing. It would be what happened there, paired with trepidation towards mutants. I don't think I'm being extreme in suggesting that, if the government finds out about this, Tessa may have damned us all.

Not to mention herself. In the state of New York, I believe a single case type of spying Tessa did is punishable with up to 4 years. I don't know if it would possibly be more considering with the number of minors involved, or with the wide scope in which it was done. I don't think it's unlikely that Tessa would be looking at a lifetime in prison. I think it goes without saying that she won't be of much use to us behind bars.

I cannot believe the complacency being expressed in these responses. It's disappointing and disheartening that we are all so eager to give up our freedoms.

Additionally, I cannot believe there is even a discussion on whether or not blackmail of a minor is acceptable. Blackmail is never acceptable. Blackmail of a minor is sickening.

I personally will no longer be using my personal computer within the school network, or my phone for other than personal communication, and I'm only accepting that because it is a necessity. I have nothing to hide beyond some mildly embarrassing personal information, but I refuse to be a part in this.

Re: (laughing forever bc this is basically the plot of cap 2)

[om_ghost]

Steven, since the "complacency" you mention in the comments here seems to be really only Philip and I, I thought I ought to respond even though I'd decided not to say any more.

May I suggest, in the spirit of fair play, that we have only the word of three (as you suggest, appropriately) outraged students that what Tessa did was, in fact, blackmail. I certainly respect Jensen's privacy in not revealing the details -- as I would not want my own situation revealed -- but Tessa is choosing not to engage rather than give her view of the events.

All I ask that you, and everyone else, consider is that what Jensen, Shaun and Simon call "blackmail" could have a very different name when seen from another side, and that name could well be "protecting someone you care about." Which is exactly what these boys are trying to do, too? Why is more noble for Shaun to protect Jensen than for Tessa to protect someone she is fond of in the best way she knows how?

I don't intend to attack or defend anyone, since I'm far from a fair and neutral party, but can we really fairly judge someone from only one perspective?

Re: (laughing forever bc this is basically the plot of cap 2)

[om_patriot]

I actually wasn't just referring to you- I was referring to the fact that the school at large isn't furious over this. I firmly believe that our rights are being infringed and that we should be outraged. To a degree, I even feel that the original posters should be more upset- they ask people not to go after Tessa because she had the 'right intentions.'

The original two students, Jensen and Simon, do not read as outraged to me. They are polite and respectful, informing the public of something they feel the public should know. They are, essentially, whistleblowers, which is done frequently.

I do intend to hear what Tessa has to say, I do think she should engage and, if she cannot post on the comm herself, email the student body, alumni, and staff with an explanation for her actions. Seeing as the blackmail seems to be the only contested point here, I believe she has a responsibility to answer for the violation of our rights and privacy.

The blackmail, while disgusting, is my minimal concern. That involves just one student, maybe two. Take that away, and I'm still furious about the invasion of privacy. I don't even personally believe that she stopped, and won't feel comfortable using devices until I know for certain that this is no longer happening.

Re: (laughing forever bc this is basically the plot of cap 2)

[om_ghost]

You and everyone else certainly have every right to feel however you like. I just don't happen to agree.

Re: (laughing forever bc this is basically the plot of cap 2)

[om_quicksilver]

FWIW, I don't think Tessa's involved with internal stuff anymore, Steve, so I think like banning yourself from the internet might not be necessary.

Ask Babs. She's awesome.

[om_vector]

If people are sure- I'll ask her, and maybe Tony. I just take these things very seriously, so it makes me uneasy.

Thank you, Pietro.