I knew that there were only seven states with some sort of legislation regarding student rights but did not realize that along with California, Kansas is one of only two states that protect the adviser as well. That is saying something! The Act states that, "No such adviser or employee shall be terminated from employment, transferred, or relieved of duties imposed under this subsection for refusal to abridge or infringe upon the right to freedom of expression conferred by this act."
I guess I have taken this for granted somewhat - that I am protected as well as my students. My fellow advisers in other states do not have this protection and may fear for their jobs if their students decide to take a stand and exercise their first amendment rights. This was somewhat of an eye opener for me. I'm not sure I would be as excited about teaching journalism if I had to live in fear of my job because of what my students may or may not decide to do.
I guess it's a good thing I don't ever plan to move away from Kansas!
Angela Carter
Winfield High School
Winfield, Kan.
Thanks for the reminder. I live in California and enjoy the idea that we are protected. Still, I sure hope our principals know that. I wouldn't want to have to get my job back through a lawsuit! And if it's not the job but the assignment, what a nightmare! You'd be teaching whatever classes you've been assigned and your lawyer would be trying to get your journalism class back for you. Ugly. So, we have the legal rights but we need to manage the boss to avoid asserting them.
ReplyDeleteI liked Frank LoMonte's advice on that, and we'll get more today.