Student Faces Expulsion for Blog Post

ThPhox writes "A student in the Plainfield School District in New Jersey is facing expulsion from the school district for a post made on his personal blog during non school hours. From the article: "A 17-year-old student who posted on his blog site that he was being bullied and threatened by the Plainfield School District will face an expulsion hearing this week, a local attorney said.""

Comments

Compared to overseas

[ajdlinux]

What is it with Americans and expulsion? Here in Australia if someone gets expelled it is because they have done something absolutely crazy that in America probably would have them in prison or something like that, e.g. bashing up other students. Even something like swearing in front of the teacher, depending on the school, may only get you suspended.

Re:How exactly is this a 1st amendment case?

[jginspace]

When off campus however is where the arguments are coming up these days

An example:

Yohnka said the courts have put strict limitations on students' freedom of speech within the schools. But districts need to be mindful of students' rights when they are outside the school, saying there are school districts overstepping their boundaries by trying to discipline students for behavior outside school hours.

A Pennsylvania student won a case that involved a suspension for his private blog that critiqued his principal's dress habits, speech and other matters.

"Ultimately the principal attempted to punish him, the kid ended up challenging the suspension," Yohnka said. "The court reversed the suspension saying essentially the kid had the right to comment in any way anyone else would outside of the school.

From: http://www.webstreetcafe.com/news/4_1_JO23_FREESPE ECH_S1.htm

Everything he did he did outside of school. He used a computer from home. He used an account he created from home what was clear it was a personal activity," Yohnka said.

Re:Dumbasses

[plague3106]

Slander, liable speech, defamation of character

FWI, you can't be found guilty of any of these things unless the other party proves they were somehow harmed by the slander or liable speech. If they can't prove it, you can still say it, even though its not true.

conspiracy

I believe most conspircy laws state that you must go beyond talking; you actually have to take some step to executing your conspircy.

Same goes for the infamous desire to yell fire in a crowded theater when there is no fire!

Search Wikipedia for this; there are some interesting facts. FWIW, it shouldn't be the act of yelling fire that should be illegal; causing panic, wasting emergency responders' time, etc. is what should be illegal. I know, I'm splitting hairs, but I think its important to make the distinction so we don't undermine the right to free speech.