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MUSKEGON, Mich. — Muskegon Public Schools employees could be suspended or fired for posting pictures at social media sites of people using alcohol or drugs, The Muskegon Chronicle reported. Other school districts are considering similar policies.
Muskegon's new policy says that because the district’s reputation could be damaged by employees' online activities, the district will investigate cases brought to its attention by parents, colleagues, news media, students or the public at large, according to The Chronicle.
“I think it's going to be statewide,” attorney Gary Britton told The Chronicle, referring to school district policies on social networking activity. Britton represents Muskegon and several other area districts.
Muskegon Superintendent Jon Felske told The Chronicle that the district will encourage employees to use social media sites in professional ways, such as to post homework assignments or communicate with students. However, the policy prohibits “fraternizing” with students as if “they were peers,” The Chronicle reported.
SOURCE:
The Muskegon Chronicle, “Personal drinking photos could get teachers fired in Muskegon,” Nov. 23, 2011
FURTHER READING:
Michigan Education Digest, “Principal sees potential in Facebook,” Aug. 30,
2010
Michigan Education Digest, “Teacher resigns in Facebook flap,” Jan. 23, 2009
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