1️⃣ Teachers Are Held to Professional Standards — Even Online Teachers licensed by the Maryland State Department of Education must follow ethical standards that include: Maintaining professional conduct Avoiding harassment or discrimination Avoiding conduct that brings the profession into disrepute Most Maryland districts also have employee conduct and social media policies. 2️⃣ Bullying Other Adults — Is It Automatically a Violation? Not automatically. Important distinctions: ✔️ Likely Protected Speech Disagreeing with someone’s opinions Criticizing public figures Political commentary Debates or arguments (even heated ones) Teachers do not lose First Amendment rights. ⚠️ Possibly a Violation If: The teacher is engaging in harassment, threats, or stalking Using discriminatory language (race, disability, religion, etc.) Encouraging others to target someone Doxxing (posting private information) Using school affiliation to intimidate Creating online behavior that harms school reputation or student trust If the conduct crosses into harassment or creates community disruption, districts can act. 3️⃣ Key Question Schools Ask School systems typically ask: Does this behavior affect the teacher’s fitness to teach or undermine public trust? If the behavior: Involves students → very serious Is criminal → very serious Is discriminatory → serious Is just rude adult-to-adult online arguing → usually harder to discipline 4️⃣ If You’re Considering Action If you believe it crosses into harassment or ethical misconduct, you could: Document screenshots Review the district’s employee conduct policy File a complaint with the teacher’s school district If severe, file a complaint with MSDE educator ethics I can help you assess it more specifically if you tell me: Is the teacher naming their school in their profile? Are they using discriminatory language? Are threats involved? Is this ongoing harassment or a one-time argument? That will determine whether it’s just poor judgment — or a professional conduct issue.

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   ASLisGreat

   9 hours ago

   ReplyTo:   JamesB, Snark Bait
   Title:   watch what James said