Regardless of how "wrong" it is, what the student did was not against the law. In fact, what she did is specifically protected BY the law, and therefore the school had no jurisdiction to punish her. Naughty students should be kept in line by their parents -- not by a school system that acts as judge, jury and executioner.

I guess the lawsuit will determine whether the school overreacted. I'd be interested to know whether freedom of speech extends to this particular type of criticism, which has the potential of undermining a teacher's reputation and possibly classroom authority. And, of course, the first amendment doesn't protect slander, libel or bullying. IF (and that's a big IF) this is what the student did, then I can see why the school would feel a strong response was needed.

facebook may be the wron place to complain about Teachers, but it is an excellent place to Vent frustrations. The article clearly stated the student wrote ".. is the worst teacher in the world." Hardly harrassment and hardly disruptive. If this is the worse thing this teacher has been called (or any teacher for that matter) then this teacher is getting off rather easily. Students are children and should be taught right from wrong, but teacher and school administrators are adult and should be more mature about these types of situations.

As a journalism teacher I certainly advocate students' rights to free speech (this is easier said than done, particularly in the south, where I teach). However, this is not an issue of free speech. This is an issue of cyber bullying, as the school administration has stated. It does not matter that the comments were relatively harmless or less offensive than other possibilities. It does not matter that the teacher is an adult and the student is, well, a student. If this girl had posted similar comments and/or pages about another student she would've been suspended and no one would've thought twice about it. She needs to learn that bullying adults is still bullying. I regret that the school pulled her from her AP classes, as I do not think this was necessary, but I support their decision to seek disciplinary action. Unfortunately in this age of cyber bullying and harassment we have to draw the line somewhere, and the safest course of action (both physically and legally) is typically one of zero tolerance. I also agree with others who posted that the student's call for others to express their "hatred" is really what pushed this issue to the level it did. It's unfortunate that this student had to learn this lesson the hard way, but in the end it is not the end of the world; I highly doubt she was denied college acceptance due to a suspension. And once admitted to college, her high school permanent record becomes essentially moot. Teachers have faults just like anyone else, but that does not justify accepting bullying behavior simply because adults should be “less sensitive.”

If the parents of this child have not taught her better than to disrespect others, then it is the obligation of the school to do so. Good for the principal. Teachers work very hard and are not nearly as appreciated as they ought to be. The way that children are able to behave and the things that they can get away with doing, and saying to others is shameful. Against the law or not, respect is respect and it is all but disappearing from society. Misbehavior has consequences,period. If you don't like the consequences set forth by the education system,then you LEGALLY have the right to homeschool your children! At minimum, log on to their facebook accounts and make sure they are not cursing and name calling. Since when is that acceptable to do to anyone?