Punishing the University of Calgary student who posted a Facebook comment about their prof is an unwarranted attack on students’ freedom of speech. The student in question merely posted a criticism of their instructor and is now facing a fourth-month probation.
Facebook has become a prominent way for students to share ideas on the Internet. In the case of university courses and professors, why shouldn’t we be allowed to publish our input and share feedback?
Students are required to complete course evaluations on their profs’ performances each semester. But it’s more helpful when they can warn each other on hard markers or heavy course loads.
There are websites that act as forums for students to discuss their profs -— such as Ratemyprofessors.com — where students leave comments for others interested in taking the course. Unlike course evaluations, websites are available at any time for future tuition-paying students who may be looking for help selecting a teacher.
Facebook attaches an identity to the comments, positive or negative, this shouldn’t affect a student’s right to free speech.
If the comment had been threatening, the situation would render a punishment. But the comment left on Facebook by the student was identical to the type that could have been left in any other feedback medium, so why should it be singled out?
Sensible steps could have been taken to remove the comment from the site, if it truly was that great of an insult to the professor. However, placing the student under academic probation is an uncalled-for repercussion for the offence.
By singling out students in this fashion, others may become afraid to voice their opinions, which ultimately hurts all students, professors and the university.