Re: [OS:N:] Another multiple response (Basic rights warmed up in the microwave again)

James Michael DuPont <[email protected]> wrote:

>>
What about public education? Tax supported courses? Does a high school
student have the right to refuse to use microsoft word format?
<<

Interesting question. Somewhat akin to the question of "Does a Christian
Scientist have the right to refuse medical treatment such as blood
transfusions?".

In some places, the State requires that children are educated, up to a
certain age or standard. That is, itt's mandatory for children to attend
school. I don't know it it's mandatory that they actually be educated.

If the use of Microsoft Word *format* was essential to the provision of the
aforementioned education, then by refusing to use it, you'd be refusing
education, and that might put you in breach of the law. If it came before a
judge, the arguments would prove interesting. I suspect a judge might see
the provision of an education which allows one to function as a citizen as
more important than one's right to express one's detestation of Microsoft's
business practices.

I can imagine how Judge Judy would deal with it. <vbg>

Best,

--- Les Bell, RHCE, CISSP
[http://www.lesbell.com.au]



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