Last year, we had a "discussion" about whether it was kosher to search candidate's Web-personae for the purpose of finding something "bad," which was of course never defined. Some of us said this is incorrect and unprofessional, and should not be done.

As is all too usual, some of us were right. At least as far as MLA is concerned--(quoting from my Facebook page here):

The Modern Language Association (MLA) Committee on Academic Freedom, Professional Rights, and Responsibilities has just responded to a query I sent regarding college policies toward Googling or Facebooking prospective faculty candidates as a screening practice.

"You will be happy to know that in answer to your concern regarding background checks through Googling Facebook and other Web sites, the committee at its spring meeting decided to add a new category to its 'Dos and Don'ts for Interviewers.' This new entry will suggest that candidates should only be judged on professional, scholarly, and intellectual criteria."

(--Of course, their statement also says that you probably shouldn't post really dumb stuff on public websites either. But the principle is now established even so.)

You may all applaud at your convenience. And if you want that pebble--get used to the technical terms "pwn3d" and "n00b." 

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