Fired Over Facebook

 1. My first reaction to this story is that serves as a wake-up call about how social media posts, even ones that seem harmless, can have real world consequences. Glenn Bush likely didn't think his comment would be controversial, but his employer saw it differently. 

2. The employer justified the firing by stating that the organization needed to remain nuetral and avoid public controversy. They likely saw Bush's post as something that could reflect on them, even if it wasn't intended to be harmful.

3. The firing was legal. Private employees have the right to terminate employees for speech they find objectionable, especially if they believe it could impact their organization's image. Unlike government employees, people in the private sector don't have guaranteed First Amendment protections in the workplace. 

4. A digital footprint refers to all content a person leaves behind online, including social media post, comments, and interactions. Even deleted posts can resurface, making it important to be minful of what is shared. 

5. Social media posts are never completely private, even with strong privacy settings. Employers, coworkers, or even friends can screenshot or share content, and platforms themselves store data that can potentially be accessed later. 

6. If Bush had told me in advance about his post, I  would have suggested to consider how it could be perceived by others., especially employers. Even neutral comments can be misinterpreted or viewed as controversial. I  would remind him that anything shared online can spread beyond the intended audience and have unintended consequences. 

Another example:Link to story

1. My initial reaction to this story is that it highlights how social media can blur the line between personal and professional life, especially for teachers. While Carly McKinney likely viewed her posts as private expressions or jokes, they were seen as inappropriate by her employer. It’s surprising how quickly online activity can impact someone’s career, even without criminal charges.

2. The employer, Cherry Creek School District, stated that McKinney was placed on leave and later terminated due to "allegations of impropriety." While they did not provide specific reasons, it is clear that her social media posts, which included near-nude photos and references to drug use, were seen as damaging to the school’s reputation and her ability to serve as a role model for students.

3. The firing was likely legal because teachers, as employees of a school district, are held to professional standards that extend beyond the classroom. While she was not charged with a crime, her public social media activity could be viewed as misconduct. Employers, especially in education, have the right to dismiss employees if their actions—online or offline—conflict with the values and expectations of the organization.