Frank LoMonte Comments on the Outcome of Student Free-Speech Case
Frank LoMonte, University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications Brechner Center for Freedom of Information director, is quoted in “Snapchatting Cheerleader Wins Free-Speech Case at 3rd Circuit” published in courthousenews.com on June 30.
The article focuses on a Philadelphia Third Circuit Court ruling that a school violated a cheerleader’s First Amendment rights when it kicked her off the squad over a profane Snapchat post done off-campus.
According to LoMonte, this decision is enormously important for the safety and welfare of young people everywhere. He adds that the ruling is especially important given today’s climate.
![](https://brechner.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/LoMonte4-New-289x300.jpg)
“For years, schools have been claiming near-total authority over students’ speech no matter when and where it happens, even off-campus on personal time, and the Third Circuit has now clearly said that there is a meaningful legal distinction between in-school speech and off-campus speech,” said LoMonte. “This is the only rule that can possibly make sense in today’s world, where students are taking on leadership in social-justice movements and need the full force of the First Amendment to keep them safe from school punishment, even if they stir up controversy or provoke dissent.”
Posted: July 1, 2020
Category: Brechner News
Tagged as: Brechner Center for Freedom of Information, Frank LoMonte