School: Forum to Close Minds and Mouths

While they are still kids, I won't say much, as I believe that Rights, Responsibilities, and Priveleges are all something that you gain a little at a time, untill you hit the age of "adulthood" (between 18 and 21)...
However, I don't think it is up to the school system to take these matters into their hands...

Principal curbs kids' Internet activity

For their own good? Or a violation of free speech?
Posted by the Asbury Park Press on 10/24/05
BY LAURA BRUNO
GANNETT NEW JERSEY

When students post their faces, personal diaries and gossip on Web sites like Myspace.com and Xanga.com, it is not simply harmless teen fun, according to one Sussex County Catholic school principal.

It's an open invitation to predators and an activity that Pope John XIII Regional High School in Sparta will no longer tolerate, the Rev. Kieran McHugh told a packed assembly of 900 high school students two weeks ago.

Effective immediately, and over student complaints, the teens were told to dismantle their Myspace.com accounts or similar sites with personal profiles and blogs. Defy the order and face suspension, students were told.

...

Students, who asked to remain anonymous out of concern for disciplinary action, said the majority of the student body protested the new rule. They tried to argue that they have freedom of speech and the school should not control what they do at home.

...

One student, who identified himself as a senior who was expelled, wrote that "pope john kicks you out once you think freely."

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