A Cheerleader's Vulgar Message Prompts a First Amendment Showdown

[redstatebluegirl]

24. I am not sure the punishment equals the crime, however...

I always tell young people not to post anything online that they would be embarrassed to see come up in a job interview. This post would definitely be one of those things. I had a young woman a few years ago who lost a job with a large architectural firm who did a "webscan" of her facebook, twitter and other social media. There were numerous posts showing her very drunk at parties and using slurs in her posts after she had been drinking. She came to me when they told her why she didn't get the job and I said "all of our actions have consequences" .

I am grateful I grew up in a time without the internet, but these young people know what can happen, it isn't secret. I feel like the best thing that can happen is to publicize this stuff so young people stop and think before posting.

That said, I always believe that kids mimic parents and other adults in their lives until they learn it isn't a good thing. Her parents must have used that slur at some point. If I remember from the article she was from Indiana. I spent some time there, not surprised that someone would say that and not think anything of it.

Actions have consequences.