Lewisville schools proposal on Web conduct raises free speech concerns
09:32 PM CDT on Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Angela Armstrong is proud to be a teacher and never thought twice about making references to her profession on her Facebook page.
But those online remarks could get her into trouble under a recent proposal presented to the Lewisville school district. It would prohibit employees from criticizing the district or even affiliating themselves with the school on social networking sites.
"What a disappointment to read that I can no longer affiliate myself with a district I'm proud to work for," Armstrong told the Lewisville school board at its May 17 meeting.
The second-grade teacher at Camey Elementary School said the proposed rules restrict her right to free speech and could invite a lawsuit.
"Are you really willing to take on the First Amendment of the United States Constitution?" she asked.
With the growing popularity of blogs, podcasts, Twitter and other online social media, school districts are beginning to develop policies that govern the use of these emerging technologies.
The Texas Association of School Boards is drafting new policy language that addresses how employees should use social networking sites, even on their own time and on their own computers.
"For several years, districts have been wanting specific statements about social media in their policies," said Carolyn Counce, the association's director of policy service. "They're trying to keep their policies updated with the technology."
While the model policy isn't expected to be finalized until the fall, she said it will address what's expected of employees when they're posting information that could be accessed by students.
"We've all heard about teachers putting up something inappropriate," she said.
A New Hampshire English teacher was accused this year of sending naked photos of herself and sexually explicit text messages to a 15-year-old student. Melinda Dennehy has been charged with indecent exposure.
Dennis Connor, a 27-year-old aide at Garland's Naaman Forest High