In Illinois, employers have the right to take actions against an employee’s social media posts that negatively affect the company. If someone makes a post on their personal social media that can cause a hostile work environment, damage to the company, or harm the school’s reputation that person can be fired. The First Amendment was created to protect individuals from government censorship: “Congress shall make no law prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech.” It prohibits the government from punishing speech based on view points. However, incitement to violence, threats, and obscenities are not protected. Private companies are allowed to establish their own policies regarding what their employees post on social media. When a new employee is hired, they are agreeing to abide by that contract.
When tragic events happen and flood the news or social media, some people take their opinions too far. Political beliefs should never be used to justify violence or hatred. In fact, many teachers have faced consequences for posting extreme opinions on social media platforms.
Lauren Stokes, an administrator at the University of Mississippi administrator, was fired after sharing a message that described Kirk as a “yt supremacist and reimagined Klan member.“
An Iowa teacher, Matthew Kargol, was fired after posting “1 Nazi down“ in reference to Charlie Kirk’s death.
A Middle Tennessee State University assistant dean, Laura Sosh-Lightsy was fired after posting she has “zero sympathy” for Charlie Kirk’s death.
There needs to be a line drawn between exercising freedom of expression on social media and posting content that could possibly jeopardize your career. Putting your opinion out there means it’s out there forever for the public eye to see. It’s important to know when it’s gone too far, especially when children in school can see harsh comments posted by their own teacher.
There have also been airline pilots removed from service for inappropriate comments made on social media. American, Delta and United have all suspended employees from service. American Airlines made a statement, “American Airlines condemns violence of any kind. Hate-related or hostile behavior runs contrary to our purpose, which is to care for people on life’s journey. Employees who promote such violence on social media were immediately removed from service.”
Many people will argue that no individual should be fired for what they post on their personal social media––but personal social media is an oxymoron. It’s the most public space for all to see. What you put out on your social media can have consequences.
Educators have been fired because their posts are violating standards set by the institutions they work for: posting hate speech, violence, or celebrating death is in direct violation of those standards. They were not fired because of their political affiliation; there is a difference. Employees have a duty to uphold the reputation of their place of employment and anything they post on a social media page should align with the values of the private company they chose to work for.
Freedom of speech does not mean freedom of consequences. No matter who you support, you should never result to violence.
