Another virtual community forestalled

I have just replied, sadly, to a student who sent me a proposal for a chat server that would run on MathLAN and provide a forum for student discussion of such issues as the impact of the new campus center:

Unfortunately, I think that it is extremely difficult to reconcile such a project with the College's policies regulating virtual communities. In addition, I imagine that, if [the proposed chat server] succeeded, ITS would rewrite the policies to prohibit it, just as they banned Plans when it ran on MathLAN. I suggest, therefore, that you find an off-campus Internet service provider to support your effort.

I understand that Grinnell Plans has recently added an interactive chat feature. Perhaps you could use or extend it to meet your interests.

Since the College banned Plans about three years ago, I've had to send out fifteen or twenty similar notes to eager young advocates of virtual communities. It still breaks my heart every time.

You would think that the College administration would eventually come to its senses and realize the damage that their policies are doing to our reputation and educational mission, but there's still no sign.