Why are students punished for criticizing their teachers on line?

Question

There have recently been growing number of cases where students are suspended or punished for criticizing their teachers on websites such as Facebook. I understand that you can be sued for libel if you call someone names or make up stories about them, but do schools or anyone has the right stop a person from criticizing or expressing their opinion, be it negative, about others in a public place. for example, I think Mr. X is bad teacher because he never answers his students' questions, or he doesn't know his subject? I thought students have the right to free speech under the constitution. Schools are calling this expression of opinion 'cyber bullying'. To me it seems they are the one who are bullying youth who do not understand fully their rights or don't have the means to take this to court where they wil surely win.

Answer 1

Freedom of speech means you can say whatever you want and but you will be responsible for it. Take a look at what happened to Imus.
Even myself, as an adult and regular citizen, have to be careful what I say in public about someone else not only because I can lose my job and public respect, but I lose my dignity as a person to respect other people. It's not so much about breaking a law, it's about treating other people the way you want to be treated.

Answer 2

Students are punished for criticizing teachers when they do it in a public forum that invades the rights of the teacher and not follow the correct procedure and method to report a poblem.

I have seen students post pictures, videos, and make comments about teachers using Facebook and My Space. The problem with this is it is one-sided. There is no opportunity for the teacher to respond and in most cases, it is against the law for a teacher to respond. If a teacher revealed grades, behavior or study habits of a student on their Facebook or My Space website, then they have violated school policy, Federal regulations (FERPA), and are subject to losing their job and civil liability.

If a student has a concern about a teacher, the proper procedure would be to make an appointment with the principal or other administrator and address their concerns to them. If you cannot voice your concerns to the principal or adminstrator and choose to hide behind the anonyminity of the internet, then you are a coward and a cyber bully.

A person's right to free speech also includes their responsibility of free speech. You cannot yell fire in a crowded theater without being responisble for the results, you cannot insult, slander, libel, criticize, or otherwise print falsehoods about someone without being responsible for the consequences. Whether you would win in court is still to be decided (http://www.pbs.org/teachers/learning.now/2006/10/is_myspace_your_space_as_well.html), but manners, decency, and respect go a long way.

Answer 3

Re-read what you wrote.
Libel speech or writing, Internet Criticizing.
If the school failed to correct when a Student crossed the line.
How would you like to be served a warrant for your arrest, because if What you wrote.
Remember what they say about the ignorance of the law.

Oh ya you may be to yourg to understand your rights and obligations