In a country that prides itself on freedom of speech, any effort to regulate social media content can easily be misconstrued as censorship. Unfortunately, this issue affects all organizations, including Higher Ed institutions. However, organizations can and should research and implement social media policies to protect themselves, as well as their students and staff. Following Harris’ recommendations, I would assign a records and information management (RIM) team to help me draft a fair and comprehensive policy. “Working with leadership, as well as with human resources, the policy team should consider the organization’s culture (the ways work is being accomplished) in relation to its regulatory environment and its risk tolerance level to determine how to structure and implement the policy.” (Harris, 2011)
While drafting my social media policy, I would install clear and concise remedial actions for infractions. With that being said, I would also proceed with caution and judge each case on its individual merits. Numerous cases in real life have proved that rigidly enforcing blanket policies can backfire in spectacular fashion, especially if the offender is popular. For example, the Supreme Court recently tried the case of Brandi Levy, a High School cheerleader who posted a vulgar tirade after failing to make the varsity squad. The school suspended Levy for the post, but SCOTUS ultimately ruled in her favor. (Totenberg, 2021)
References
Harris, P. (2011, Sep/Oct). Collaborate to Develop an Effective Social Media Policy. Information Management, 45(5).
Totenberg, N. (2021, April 28). ‘Frightened To Death’: Cheerleader Speech Case Gives Supreme Court Pause. Retrieved from NPR: https://www.npr.org/2021/04/28/991683886/frightened-to-death-cheerleader-speech-case-gives-supreme-court-pause
Mallory Jones 