Teacher resigns in Facebook flap

BANGOR, Mich. - A first-year band instructor has resigned her teaching position after posting a Facebook comment alleging that a student had stolen an instrument, according to the Benton Harbor Herald-Palladium. Local police and Bangor Public Schools were investigating the matter at the time Morgan Wyhowski, 24, resigned, according to The Herald-Palladium.

"The only thing we are allowed to say is at the time of Ms. Wyhowski's resignation an investigation was ongoing as to her professional judgment and immature response," Superintendent Ronald Davis said, according to the Herald-Palladium.

Bangor Police Chief Gary Baker told the Herald-Palladium that a parent had complained about the posted comment, which, according to WOOD-TV8, said, "Morgan wants to kill her ninth grade flute player who stole the school's $900 piccolo and is denying it." The student was not named and the instrument was later returned, WOOD-TV8 reported. Police determined there was no criminal intent behind the posting, according to the Herald-Palladium.

"It wasn't a criminal matter due to her right to express free speech," Baker told The Herald-Palladium.  "However, it is inappropriate for a person in a position of authority to make remarks such as that about students."

The Herald-Palladium could not reach Wyhowski for comment, it reported.

SOURCES:
The Herald-Palladium, "Facebook remark costs teacher her job," Jan. 14, 2009

WOOD-TV8, "Facebook teacher won't face charges," Jan. 13, 2009

FURTHER READING:
Michigan Education Digest, "List of student names causes concern in Ironwood," June 27, 2006