Students Disciplined for 'Liking' Racist Instagram Posts Sue Albany School District

Four Albany High School students who were suspended in March for “liking” or commenting on racist Instagram posts sued the Albany Unified School District last week, accusing it of violating their free speech rights. The posts included a photo of the school’s African-American basketball coach with a noose drawn around his neck, and photos of apes placed side by side with those of students of color. The lawsuit, which follows weeks of emotionally charged exchanges among school community members, also claims that the district failed to provide security for the suspended students, two of whom were assaulted during a restorative justice session. We discuss the lawsuit and student speech in the digital age.