Dear Members:
Yesterday, we witnessed attacks on the U.S. Capitol which resulted in lives lost, destruction of federal property and a disruption of the legislative process. Many people were put in harm’s way which could have easily turned into a catastrophic event. There are strong opinions on both sides and our words and actions can either inspire or intimidate others.

We are not writing to take a side but to issue a caution about what you might say or post on social media. We have several current cases in which school leaders have either liked a post, retweeted, or posted their own comments about our current events on some form of social media. While some of these posts were well intended, others have either captured them or added their own spin to the original intent. While you may or may not believe your PERSONAL social media accounts are protected by your First Amendment Rights, this debate is being argued in courtrooms even as we speak. The impact on your professional career and your job may be jeopardized, as has been evident in several very recent cases.

So we felt it prudent to issue a caution in using social media either on a private or public site in which you are expressing opinions that could be controversial.

In the near future, we hope to publish an article from our legal counsel on First Amendment Rights, especially in respect to school leaders.

Sincerely,

Paul M. Healey, Ph.D., Executive Director

Dr. Eric C. Eshbach, Assistant Executive Director