Free Speech Rights of Public School Teachers
| April 15, 2003 |
| Speech Outside of School Teachers do not forfeit the right to comment publicly on matters of public importance simply because they accept a public school teaching position. Teachers cannot be fired or disciplined for statements about matters of public importance unless it can be demonstrated that the teacher’s speech created a substantial adverse impact on school functioning. A teacher's off-campus statements regarding the war or participation in an off-campus political demonstration are not acceptable bases for job discipline or termination. now let's compare that to the latest "policy" that was implemented at a certain public school Policy Regarding Off-Duty Internet/email use: As a representative of the School District , your off-duty conduct may impact your employment in some circumstances. For example, off-duty conduct that is immoral and may risk involvement with other members of the school community may lead to discipline or dismissal. Faculty and staff must maintain appropriate boundaries between students and themselves even when they are off-duty. Because email and the Internet encourage informal communications, it is important that you take care when using the technology whether you are on or off duty. The School District does not wish to interfere with or restrict freedom of expression. However, language or images in emails or on the Internet that harm or endanger others, particularly students, may fall outside the realm of protected speech. As we all know, email and Internet use is never truly private; email and Internet communications may be retained or retrieved for years despite the use of the "delete" key. To that end, the School District has listed some examples of problematic conduct below.:
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