A freshman student posts on her social media account remarks that reflect intolerance and bigotry. Fellow students and faculty are upset, and disciplinary action follows. Was the student’s right to free speech ignored or were the rights of others to a welcoming and inclusive environment infringed upon? This case guides the reader through some of the issues associated with the currently confusing world of social media as it intersects with diversity issues. Discussion prompts and activities will prepare faculty and administrators to consider institutional culture, professionalism, and equity issues in an educational setting.
California Advisory Committee. (2012). Equal educational opportunity and free speech on public college and university campuses in California. Retrieved from http://www.usccr.gov/pubs/CA-Free-Speech-Report.pdf
KozlowskiD. (2011). Toothless tinker: The continued erosion of student speech rights. Journalism & Mass Communication Quarterly, 88, 352-373. doi:10.1177/107769901108800208
