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TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2010
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5

Student Sues Over Facebook Suspension

Constitutional case asks if school can limit online expression

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(Newser) – With the help of the ACLU, a Florida high school grad is suing a former principal for violating her constitutional rights in suspending her for “cyber-bullying” a teacher, the Miami Herald reports. Katherine Evans created a Facebook page railing against her “worst teacher,” and asked classmates to contribute “feelings of hatred.” None did, and Evans took down the post, but she was still suspended.

The ACLU brought the First Amendment suit forward, charging the principal with violating Evans’ right to “free and unfettered exchange of ideas and opinions in the public arena.” Though she graduated and is now in college, the teen—who also claims she was removed from advanced coursework after the incident—seeks to have the suspension removed from her academic record.

Teens visit Facebook on their laptops. The latest First Amendment suit asks whether school officials can punish students for what they write online.
Teens visit Facebook on their laptops. The latest First Amendment suit asks whether school officials can punish students for what they write online.   (AP Photo)
The Florida teen used a Facebook page like this one to express her dislike for a school teacher.
The Florida teen used a Facebook page like this one to express her dislike for a school teacher.   (PRNewsFoto/Nickelodeon)
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5 comments
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Zebraone
Dec 9, 08 5:51 PM CST
Nasty little ho! Wait till she hits the mainstream of life! Reply
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IN RESPONSE:
morenogabr
Dec 11, 08 3:00 PM CST
what are you talking about???
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PaleRider
Dec 9, 08 11:57 PM CST
I think she should go to jail! Reply
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Shannonals
Dec 10, 08 2:16 PM CST
This is an idiotic lawsuit. The student is now in college, she needs to let this go. Reply
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IN RESPONSE:
morenogabr
Dec 11, 08 3:02 PM CST
I dont think you understand what it means to go through and graduate from college with that kind of offense on your record. Its not something you just let go.
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