Q: Can a school district bar me for a Facebook comment about raises?
I'm employed through an agency that contracts with a school district to hire substitutes and paraprofessionals. I recently posted a comment on a news article about a raise for the superintendent and assistant superintendent, which was publicly disclosed, but not the specific amount. Subsequently, I was told I am no longer allowed in the district. Is the school district wrong for their decision to bar me from the district due to my comment on Facebook?
A: Public school teachers have First Amendment rights. The First Amendment doesn't give public school teachers unlimited rights, but may protect their speech when speaking as a private citizen on a matter of public concern. If your situation fits within that scope, and you were not hired as a result, there could be a potential claim.
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