On Mon, 28 Jun 1999, B. Diamond wrote:

> We have banned a subscriber from our list who is now threatening legal
> action for denying him access.  I always understood that while a
> listserver was liable to other laws that cover a public medium (like
> libel, copyright law, etc.) that listservs are actually privately held
> and we can thus permit or deny access to whomever we choose.
>
> As it is currently worded in our introduction, our list is "sponsored
> by" an professional association (with dues-paying members) and "hosted
> by" our university.  Technically, the list is "owned by" me.  My
> questions are as follows:
>
> 1. Do we have the "right" to ban individuals, even if they are
> students and/or members of the professional organization mentioned above?
>
> 2.  As the list owner, am I somehow liable/responsible for lawsuits?
>
> 3.  How have others handled this situation?

I handled the situation the same as you did. Any legal questions about the
actions of Listserv owners here are referred to our legal counsel so I
suggest you refer your legal issues to your university's legal counsel.