kamiech+Blog

The case was between Pickering and Board of Education in March 1968. The teacher wrote an article to the local paper stating that the district misappropriated funds that were raised via sale of bonds. The contends that the school district uses money it raised from the sale of bonds to provide for athletes as oppose to academics. The school board dismissed him from his position as a teacher for this. The case was taken to the courts in Illinois who agreed with the school board. Mr Pickering then argued the case in the Supreme Court. The Court agreed with the teacher and made the following findings:
 * His actions was not insubordination
 * Confidentiality was not breached by the teacher. He did not make confidential information public
 * His argument was not libel
 * His statement was not detrimental
 * Although his numbers on the amount of money used on athletics was incorrect it was not intentional
 * His argument was one of public interest

I have never heard of this case before. I agree with the Supreme Court decision because as a teacher it is good to know that I am free to voice my opinion and concerns about the school district withour fear of being terminated. In 2004 City of San Diego v Roe states that public employees has a right to free expression as long as its within reasonable limits and it does not disrupt the daily functions of the city. In Tinker v Des Moines in 1969 the courts ruled that both teachers and students has a right to free speech both in and off school compounds.