Why would the GPL apply to works created with Jupyter? I understand if you're redistributing a commercial version of it, but using it would be akin to using GCC no?
My understanding is that works created with Jupyter wouldn't have a problem, but that the admins are just trying to minimize the footprint of GPL 3 libraries on our systems. It seems pretty knee-jerk to me, but then I'm not an expert.
In a technical audit during acquisition, for example, any use of GPL warrants extra scrutiny. Even when you're complying it is an extra bunch of work, often with lawyers reviewing, so many people would rather avoid that if possible.