Student Suspended Over IM Icon

Chris Reimer writes "C|Net News.com is reporting that a 15-year-old student lost a lawsuit over having an instant messenger icon that represented a death threat against an English teacher on his personal computer that another student reported to school authorities. From the article: 'His parents sued, claiming that the icon was protected by the First Amendment's guarantee of freedom of speech, that the school district failed to train staff in proper threat assessment and that the school board violated state law in not following proper procedures. [The judge] Mordue rejected the free-speech claims.'"

Comments

Indeed.

[raehl]

Clearly the court prefers that you don't threaten people before you kill them.

Re:what did he expect?

[DougLorenz]

Prozac. You'll find that *ALMOST* all of the kids who do this stuff are on Prozac

This talking point brought to you by the Church of Scientology. Just trust in Scientology alone to maintain your sanity, look at everything it has done for Tom Cruise...

This Just In..

[Bague]

My processes are now suspending INIT for sending them the kill signal!

Re:not the funniest joke

[qsqueeq]

Although the students apparently viewed the icon as a joke, VanderMolen did not. He later testified that he was scared, concerned and felt sick to his stomach upon reading the message. He asked to be removed from teaching the English class because he was concerned for his safety and that of his 6-month-old child. The school principal claimed that VanderMolen appeared anxious and fearful.

What a puss. Just go punch the kid in the face. He's 15. VanderWussin.

All wrong!

[graviton137]

You misunderstand: It was German and said "DIE TEACHER DIE".