Legal_and_Ethical_Issues_Regarding_Social_Media_Use_in_Schools.docx Legal and Ethical I

Legal_and_Ethical_Issues_Regarding_Social_Media_Use_in_Schools.docx    Legal and Ethical Issues Regarding Social Media Use in Schools   TECH 519   Using Social Media in the Classroom  University of Phoenix   Yoder v. University of Louisville  The case of Nina Yoder is reviewed first because it parallels the kind of situation that could arise in pharmacy education. Early in 2009, Ms. Yoder was a nursing student on an experiential education rotation when she made caustic and profane observations on race, sex, and religion when commenting in MySpace postings about patients she had encountered. The School of Nursing expelled her for violating their honor code, which provided in part: As a representative of the School of Nursing, I pledge to adhere to the highest standards of honesty, integrity, accountability, confidentiality, and professionalism, in all my written work, spoken words, actions and interactions with patients, families, peers and faculty.  While the institution viewed this as an honor code case, Ms. Yoder considered it a case of her First Amendment freedom of speech rights being violated by a public institution. The student also raised procedural due process arguments. She alleged that while she was given the right to appeal her dismissal, which was denied, she was offered no hearing to present evidence and witnesses in her defense.  When the case reached the US District Court both sides moved for summary judgment based on filings with the court. The federal trial court judge sidestepped both the freedom of speech and due process ar