Even More Facebook Stupidity

You can add this one to the short but growing list of employers demanding access to Facebook accounts. After refusing to give her Facebook password to her supervisors, Kimberly Hester was fired by Lewis Cass Intermediate School District from her job as an aide to Frank Squires Elementary in Cassopolis, Michigan. She is now fighting a legal battle with the school district.

This all started in April 2011, when Hester was using Facebook on her own time (when she wasn’t working at the school). She jokingly posted a picture of a co-worker’s pants around her ankles and a pair of shoes, with the caption “Thinking of you.”

A parent and Facebook friend of Hester’s saw the photo and complained to the school. A few days later, Lewis Cass ISD superintendent Robert Colby asked her three times for access to her Facebook account. Hester refused each of the district superintendent’s requests.

Soon after, Colby wrote Hester a letter, a part of which said the following, according to WSBT: “…in the absence of you voluntarily granting Lewis Cass ISD administration access to you[r] Facebook page, we will assume the worst and act accordingly.” Hester says he put her on paid administrative leave and eventually suspended her. She chose unpaid leave, to collect workman’s compensation, and vowed to put up a fight.

Couple of things here. First, it wasn't smart to post a coworker in a stage of undress. Though they don't say so, it makes perfect sense this was taken in a bathroom. I'd be pissed (pun mostly not intended) if someone took a picture of me in those circumstances and published them without my permission. But then, I also notice the person whose ankles come into play was not behind the complaint. So what, if we offend a third party we are obligated to change our Facebooks?  For all we know the coworker was amused by this joke, and those on the outside just didn't get it.  But does this woman owe an apology or explanation to anyone but Ankles Lady?

I think not.

It is absolutely wrong of the school to demand her password. She could have shown them the page, for that matter the angry parent could have sent them the picture. There is no need to have a password for this. Their comment "because you refused we will assume the worst" tells you what happened. They assumed. There is no context, explanation or law to back up their request. Because she defended her right to privacy, they assume she is completely guilty and will be treated accordingly.

What administrator would consider this a sound strategy?  Idiots.