Michelle Houston

EDUW 695
Contemporary Legal Analysis

October 5, 2013


1. Identify an issue in education that has been caused by the explosion of technology in our society.
Cyberbullying

2. Examples of two different schools are dealing with or have dealt with the issue.

A. (www.edweek.org) Oak Harbor High School in Oak Harbor, Wash a student received a
threatening text message at school that included a bomb threat against the building.
[The} district has a very clear cellphone search-and-seizure policy, which received
national attention when it was adopted last year, and his administrators were able to
track down the cellphone that sent the message, search its texting history, and
determine that another student who had borrowed the phone sent the threat. The
student involved got several days of suspension and had to write a paper about the
effects a bomb threat can have on the school and the community. My perspective is
that this is a start to combatting and educating on the issue. However, in this case I
feel the student should have received a significant penalty. He/She should face the
victim face to face to fully see and hear the impact of their actions. At least action was
taken.
B. New York Times, Online Bullies Pull Schools Into the Fray discussed a case from
Benjamin Franklin Middle School in Ridgewood, N.J. where a girl received shocking,
sexually explicit threats from a 12 year old boy. The parents confronted the school and
were told that the incident happened off school grounds so they were unable to do
anything about the matter. The school gave suggestions to the parent but would not
take disciplinary action. Later, it was determined that the cell phone was stolen and
another student sent the messages. My perspective is that this issue will spill into the
classroom at some point and should be addressed prior to the issue escalating.

3. How will the issue be dealt with in the future?
In my opinion the issue will continue to be clarified and defined in very specific ways as
more tragic events occur. School districts and parents could possible form stronger alliances
to combat the issue so that it may be addressed across environments.
Educating students, parents and communities with collaboration across environments.



4. Summary/Discussion
The determination for managing cyberbullying cases defines the authority and role of the
school. There is a balance between schools authority and students freedom of expression.
When students speech interferes substantially with the schools education mission, then the
school can impose discipline. Furthermore, did the students comment hurtful speech
collide with the rights of other students?
1969 Supreme Court Case-Tinker vs Des Moines Independent Community School District
Virginia Department of Education contract students view with parents which explicitly
defines cyberbullying, expectations and outcomes.