Freedom of speech is a founding principle of our country. Freedom of speech also comes with responsibility.
You can’t just say or write anything of course. You can’t yell “fire,” in a crowded theater. You have to be careful not to libel someone’s reputation.
Once upon a time, freedom of speech meant what someone wrote or said.
Now, it apparently crosses over to what you “post,” on the Internet.
A recent case illustrated that point when schools officials suspended a Wichita Heights High senior class president for a “tweet.”
Not something he said or wrote — but something he thought and posted on the Internet.
Wesley Teague was suspended for posting that “Heights U is equivalent to WSU’s football team.”
Teague’s message was called an insult directed at other student athletes and a form of “cyberbullying,” by school officials.
“Wesley posted some very inappropriate tweets about the Heights athletic teams, aggressively disrespecting many athletes,” a letter sent to Teague’s parents read. “After reading the tweets and taking statements from other students, it was found that Wesley acted to incite the majority of our Heights athletes.”
Soon thereafter, Teague was apparently the target of bullying, from student athletes, both at school and online. Officials said students who argued with, and threatened Teague at school were also suspended.
A school spokeswoman says the suspensions were related to disruptions at the school and a fear of disturbances breaking out.
A school statement says, “All of our schools have the obligation to maintain a safe and secure learning environment for our students while they are at school or participating in school activities.”
Teague was suspended, but permitted to attend senior breakfast, convocation and graduation. His biggest penalty was a missed opportunity from delivering a speech at the convocation breakfast.
Teague’s attempt at “free speech,” delivered an open-ended critique of Heights’ athletics. It should have been a insightful discussion point.

Jim Misunas