Plagiarism by staff or students is considered academic dishonesty, is prohibited and may result in disciplinary action including termination from employment or expulsion from school. Plagiarism is the use or close imitation of the work, language or ideas of another or of unapproved sources such as artificial intelligence (AI) technology (e.g. ChatGPT) unless such use is explicitly approved by the teacher and the representation of them as one’s own original work. All staff shall be responsible for informing themselves and reviewing relevant information pertaining to plagiarism and the harms of copyright piracy. Teachers will instruct students in appropriate research and citation practices and the harms of copyright piracy.
It is the intent of the Lincoln Public Schools to adhere to the provisions of U.S. Copyright Law and the Patent Act. All parties, including administrators, teachers, other staff members and students are prohibited from using, copying or transmitting materials not specifically allowed by fair use, copyright or patent law, licenses or contractual agreements or permission. All staff shall be responsible for informing themselves and reviewing relevant information pertaining to copyright and patent rules, fair use, District licenses or contractual agreements and permissions. Anyone who disregards this copyright and patent policy is in violation, assumes all responsibility for infringement, including possible civil liability and criminal prosecution and may be subject to disciplinary action including termination from employment. The District does not assume any legal responsibility for any infringement of copyrights, patents or other proprietary rights. Copyright and patent information will be provided to assist employees so that they can perform their duties within the intent of the law. The District departments of Library Services or Computing Services should be contacted with any questions.
All staff shall also respect the copyright, patent and proprietary rights of any materials accessed through the District’s network system or technology resources. Staff may not use or duplicate copyrighted or patented materials, graphics, software (including District-owned or –licensed software) or other proprietary materials without permission from the copyright or patent holder, unless the use falls within fair use parameters, licenses or contractual agreements or permissions, whether for personal use or for the use of others.
The following notice shall be placed on or near equipment capable of duplicating or transmitting copyrighted materials:
“The copyright laws of the United States govern the duplication, retention, transmittal and use of copyrighted material. Anyone using this equipment is responsible for compliance with the law.”
Persons who secure permission, licenses or other contractual agreements shall maintain adequate records regarding the use of copyrighted or patented materials.