Date of Award
1-1-2023
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Ph.D. in Education
First Advisor
Douglas Davis
Second Advisor
Macey Edmondson
Third Advisor
Jill Cabrera
Relational Format
dissertation/thesis
Abstract
This case study uses qualitative interviews with building-level principals in Mississippi public high schools along with document analysis to construct standardized policy language for Mississippi School Districts to adopt in order to aid administrators when handling issues involving student off-campus speech. This study rests upon the idea that free speech, and what constitutes free speech, has been and always will be a problem within society, especially with regard to speech used within public schools.
The consensus among researchers is certain types of speech are protected by the First Amendment, while other types of speech are not. By further delving into the gray area of what is protected, the research begins to become deficient based on contradicting or nonexistent case law. This study clarifies and provides guidance as to the type of speech which constitutes unprotected speech off-campus. From this research, school districts will be better prepared when creating off-campus speech policies, and have a better understanding of how to enforce the policies. This study will also provide school administrators with a clearer sense of students’ First Amendment rights.
Five total themes emerged from the study. First, high school administrators have a strong grasp of student First Amendment rights, especially when it pertains to student expression on and off campus. The second theme, similar student issues starting off-campus and making their way on campus, is evidenced by the need for administrator intervention in fights and threats starting off campus. The third theme, a clear need for consistent policy language, is reflected in the language of the principals who explain how they would benefit from explicit policy language for discipline. The fourth theme (theme one from data analysis), consistent bullying policies, evidences the belief by the Mississippi legislature on the need for clear policy language on major issues involving students. Finally, the fifth theme (theme two from data analysis), policing of internet and computer use by schools, demonstrates a step towards the extension of school grounds.
Recommended Citation
Chaney, Diala Husni, "Free Speech and Students' Rights in Mississippi Public Schools: Exploring Off-Campus Speech" (2023). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 2745.
https://egrove.olemiss.edu/etd/2745