here’s a better story on it:
Face ‘Booked’
By Laura Steff
The Duquesne Duke
The recent craze sweeping over Duquesne University’s campus has been Facebook. Posting pictures, writing on friend’s walls and joining groups are just some of Facebook’s perks. However, many students don’t realize what they post on Facebook can get them into trouble with Judicial Affairs.
According to Susan Monahan, director of Judicial Affairs, any charges made about information found on Facebook were brought to her attention by students who found the information and were offended by it. There isn’t anyone at Judicial Affairs who sits in front of a computer all day searching students’ profiles on Facebook. After a student files charges, it is her job to determine whether or not the information actually violates Duquesne University’s Code of Student Rights, Responsibilities and Conduct.
“I’m not looking for that stuff, but if it is brought to my attention I have to adjudicate it,” Monahan said.
That was just the case for Ryan Miner, a sophomore political science and pre-law major. According to Miner, he created an Anti Gay-Straight Alliance group on Facebook and described homosexuals as “subhuman” in a post within the group. Four students brought the charges to the attention of Judicial Affairs, Miner said.
“Students should speak up and against the things that they feel are immoral or against their religion,” Miner said. “Whatever I say impacts me as an individual but because I accessed Facebook from the University I am found responsible for the comment I made.”
According to Miner, he was sent two letters from Judicial Affairs informing him that what he posted on Facebook violated Article IV Section C Number 6: Harassment or discrimination based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin or citizenship status, age, disability or veterans status.
Miner was both excited and shocked when he received the letters.
“It was an exhilarating feeling to know that I am the voice of many people who feel the same way,” he said. “I was surprised because I was not aware that the First Amendment was limited – that [the University] is able to restrict my right, especially on Facebook, which is a separate entity.”
Even though Duquesne does not sponsor Facebook, the University still has jurisdiction over what students post.
“Duquesne deals with any judicial violation that occurs whether it is on Facebook or off-campus,” Monahan said. “If a student brings something to my attention that proves a violation of the code, I have no choice other than to adjudicate it.”
Miner’s hearing was held on Oct. 13, 2005. According to him, he submitted an opening statement, was asked questions by the complainants and the hearing board and then submitted a final statement.
“I argued that as a Catholic University, there should not be this gay agenda,” Miner said. “There should not be a promotion of homosexuality.”
According to Miner, Judicial Affairs sanctioned him to write a ten page objective expository of the viewpoints both for and against homosexuality. He also had to take down the post, although the group still exists.
“I am going to appeal the sanctions because I don’t agree with the consequences,” Miner said. “I will not write this paper.”
According to Monahan, the next step for Miner is to appeal the case to another board not familiar with the case. That board will review the file and cassette tape of the original hearing,
Although Miner is passionate about his views and opinions, he emphasizes that he doesn’t wish to promote hate.
“I don’t discriminate against homosexuals and I don’t hate them,” he said. “I just don’t approve of the actions, especially at a Catholic university.”
Although students should be careful about what they are writing on Facebook, they should also be careful when choosing the picture they are going to use for their profile. Many underage students decide to use pictures of them drinking.
“If someone brought in a picture from Facebook of a student drinking and they were underage I would have to adjudicate it after making sure they were underage,” Monahan said.
Students should be careful about what they are writing or posting on Facebook. Even though you don’t think anything is wrong with it, that doesn’t mean someone else won’t.
“What I wrote, I feel was acceptable,” Miner said. “I was surprised when I was sanctioned because I thought what I said wasn’t irrational.”
Monahan agreed, “You never know who will bring Facebook to our attention.”
or whatnot its alright for us to accept it. All these orginations are really regulating and disregarding the freedom of speech.