"My Retarded Nephew"- Facebook Post- Head of School

Posted on Head of School's Personal Facebook Account

School's Policy on Social Media Posts

Exhibit C: Employee Handbook- Social Media As social media can bridge both the work life and personal life of employees, some conflict of responsibilities may occur. The School’s interest in establishing this policy is to define the educational and work-related contexts of social media and blogging for the protection of our employees, students, and the School community as a whole. This policy applies specifically to our adult community – principally, faculty, staff, and administrators, and other adults acting on the School’s behalf.

Key Principles Interacting online with colleagues, students, alumni, and other community members is no different than interacting with these individuals or groups face-to-face. In both contexts, we are required to maintain the respect, dignity, prudence, and professionalism reflected in our Characteristics of Professional Excellence, and concern for the safety and protection of children in all interactions. With specific regard to social media, as a school employee, you must understand that you are accountable for your postings and other digital communications that are job-related, particularly online activities conducted with a school email address, or while using school property, networks, or resources. Recognize that social media activities may be visible to current, past, and prospective students, parents, colleagues, and community members. Serving as a positive role model is a critical aspect of your work at the School and you must exercise appropriate discretion when using media (even for personal communications), when those communications can impact your role at the School. Keep in mind that the uneven power dynamics of the School – in which adults have implied authority over former students – continues to shape those relationships after the end of the School day and year, and even after graduation. Employees must act in a manner that always respects and never exploits the power inherent in these relationships. Balance your right of individual expression with the valid interests of the School in promoting and presenting its mission, culture, and values to the community at large (as reflected by the public actions and statements of school employees). Please be aware that the School considers discretion in social media activities to be a serious matter in protecting the School. Violation of this policy may lead to corrective action, up to and including termination of employment.