A student has created a parody of the school’s Web site on his personal Web page. One teacher is very unhappy because the student has included a spoof of her classroom page. She wants me to suspend him for being disrespectful. What are my options?
Tread carefully! If the student is using his personal computer at home and if he’s not using an Internet connection provided by the school, your options may be very limited.
You need to review the postings on the site ask the following questions:
- Is there anything on the site that is likely to cause disruption at school?
- Are threats being made?
- Are any statements defaming or an invasion of privacy?
If you answer ‘yes’ to any of the questions, you may be able to take action. However, if the answers to the questions are no, then the student is probably within his right to free speech. In either case, ask the appropriate person at your district office for guidance.
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