Bozeman Hiring Practice Controversy

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By NEWS KULR

Story Published: Jun 19, 2009 at 5:25 PM MST

Story Updated: Jun 19, 2009 at 8:50 PM MST

BILLINGS - Bozeman city officials have reconsidered a controversial hiring practice, after the protests of job seekers, but many feel the move violated their constitutional rights.

Under intense public scrutiny Bozeman officials permanently remove a disputed and questionable background check. "The extent of our request for a candidacy's password, username, and other internet information appears to have exceeded that which is acceptable in our community," said Bozeman City Manager Chris Kukulski.

Under the old policy, city officials asked for login information on popular social networking websites such as Facebook. "This was a question that was asked after you were conditionally offered a job," said Kukulski.

City officials say while they have done away with the request they will continue to do internet searches on qualified applicants. The Montana ACLU believes the request violates the job-seekers' privacy rights.

"Saying that they want people's username and password for social networking sites is crossing the line," said the ACLU's Scott Crighton. He believes handing over that type of information is equivalent to letting someone open up your mailbox and read everything inside.

ACLU officials aren't planning litigation unless someone claims they were turned away from a job after refusing to give up their social networking information.

Bozeman city officials say they'll suspend the practice of reviewing password protected information they've already received until they conduct a more comprehensive evaluation of the practice.

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KMS said on Monday, Jun 22 at 10:28 AM

I understand what they were getting to on this, but they went about it wrong. They should have asked for their screen names so they can check them out from the outside- Just like any other in depth background check for security clearance. And whining about their explosion? WTF? A gas leak took out multiple buildings and injured and killed people, and you find that to be WHINING? Wow.

mont252 said on Sunday, Jun 21 at 11:17 AM

sounds like Oboma has been to town to set his agenda

Bill said on Sunday, Jun 21 at 11:12 AM

republican is the last thing Bozeman is,enviros yes

its national news said on Saturday, Jun 20 at 1:13 PM

this invasion of privacy is national news, bozeman is soo republican and soo whiney about their accidental explosion downtown, what a bunch of self centered enviros fox news watchers!

Kristine said on Saturday, Jun 20 at 1:05 PM

so wrong! this even made the yahoo homepage news!!!!

Anna said on Friday, Jun 19 at 9:02 PM

This is wrong on every level! Would it be OK to request all of the city's user IDs and passwords? Do they read diaries too?

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