Letter to the editor: Exercising rights can have consequences

Regarding the article “Norwin board member sues superintendent, district over criticism of social media post” (Aug. 9, TribLIVE): As a communications student at Clarion University, part of my graduation requirement was a class on communications and law. Granted, this was in the earlier years of social media, but one thing that was hammered home was that while the First Amendment does give you freedom of speech, there are also consequences that come along with that freedom. Sure, you are free to say/write something harmful, but there can be consequences/fallout from said speech. If you go into a crowded room and scream “Fire!” you get in trouble for doing something that can cause harm.

In this case, the school board member said something that’s frankly not right to say anymore, people rightfully got upset, and the consequence is the superintendent put out a statement that the district does not condone what was said.

It appears that school board member understands the right, but not the consequence.

Matt Huha

Creighton