Wikiversity:Blocking policy

The blocking policy explains when and why custodians may block or unblock user accounts, IP addresses, and ranges of IP addresses. The block log allows anyone to track blocks and unblocks at Wikiversity. A block revokes editing privileges at Wikiversity to stop behavior inconsistent with the Wikiversity mission and scope for either a definite or indefinite time. An unblock restores editing privileges at Wikiversity after accepted practices and appropriate behaviors are likely to be understood. A block does not otherwise restrict access to Wikiversity, and usually people can continue to edit their own user discussion page to encourage dialog about participation at Wikiversity.

Anyone may ask custodians to consider reviewing a person's recent behavior. If you are blocked and feel that you understand how to behave in a way consistent with the mission and scope, you can ask for the decision to be reviewed on your discussion page, or by e-mail if you cannot edit your discussion page.

When are blocks appropriate?
You should first ask questions and discuss concerns on a person's user discussion page, be concise and specific when suggesting solutions, explain and encourage behaviors consistent with the Wikiversity mission and scope to resolve conflicts yourself, and try alternatives when appropriate. On occasion, a block may be appropriate after a good faith discussion, other reasonable solutions have been exhausted, and the person continues behaviors not consistent with participation at Wikiversity. People who vandalize and spam may be blocked immediately before considering anything else.

The following caveats apply to blocks:


 * 1) Blocks for behavior that has ceased or may happen in the future are inappropriate. Blocks are to deter continuing recent behavior.
 * 2) Participants with a history of good faith edits are to be informed about their block on their user discussion page.
 * 3) A custodian capable of impartial treatment is recommended when possible. Other custodians should ask for a second opinion.
 * 4) Blocks for IP addresses and IP address ranges should be kept short because often other people are affected too.

Common rationales for blocks
Custodians are encouraged to first discuss when in doubt, or when a block is unusual. The following are common rationales for blocks:


 * Threats to take legal action ("legal threat") or to cause harm ("malice").
 * Disclosure of personal information without consent.
 * Libelous material about living people.
 * Persistent harassment or personal attacks.
 * Persistent use of copyright works without permission.
 * Use of inappropriate usernames. If unintentional, the user will be allowed a name change.


 * Persistent promotions with no clear benefit to education or learners.
 * Use of multiple accounts to affect community consensus.
 * Bots without approval to operate or malfunctioning will be immediately blocked.
 * Compromised accounts
 * Behaviors that have a net negative effect per community consensus.
 * Circumventing revocation of privileges.

When should unblocks be considered?
People whose behavior was consistent with the Wikiversity mission and scope may be unblocked immediately. People who understand and agree to participate appropriately at Wikiversity may be unblocked. You are encouraged to discuss why a person was blocked, explain and encourage behaviors consistent with the Wikiversity mission and scope, and suggest solutions that may help encourage appropriate participation before you ask custodians to unblock. If you were blocked, you may ask custodians to review your block by adding unblock to your user discussion page.

An impartial custodian may review the circumstances of a block and determine an appropriate response or action. A custodian may set conditions to ensure civility and behaviors remain appropriate. Custodians may decline to act on a request to unblock, and are encouraged to ask for a second opinion when in doubt, or when an unblock is controversial or unusual.

Custodians may refer people to Community Review when a block is based on community consensus, and link to prior community consensus for review.