The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Southern California claims that the Los Angeles Unified School District’s (LAUSD) social media policy infringes on parents’ First Amendment rights.
The policy prohibits “inappropriate threatening, harassing, racist, biased, derogatory, disparaging, or bullying comments” about any student, employee, or associated person, which includes parents and school volunteers. According to LAist, Peter Eliasberg, chief counsel at the ACLU of Southern California, stated, “The government has no right to tell parents that they can’t criticize school officials or schools.”
The controversy began after LAUSD removed the principal of Broadway Elementary School in Venice, prompting criticism from families and educators. In response, an LAUSD administrator sent a message to parents outlining “prohibited behaviors,” which included making “defamatory, offensive, or derogatory comments” about the school or its staff. This prompted the ACLU to send a letter to LAUSD, urging them to rescind or at least not enforce the policy.
LAUSD confirmed receiving the ACLU’s letter and is reviewing the policy. A district spokesperson stated that no one at Broadway Elementary had been disciplined under the policy. However, Eliasberg expressed concerns that the policy could lead to self-censorship among parents. The policy, originally issued in 2018, is under scrutiny for potentially violating free speech rights.
Recent Comments