Francisco, I think most people sometimes blur the lines between personal and professional life. One of the most common arguments people usually invoke when they feel an invasion of privacy is the Bill of Rights. The Bill of Rights was enacted by our founders as a check and to limit government’s role in the “private” affairs of its citizens. However, most corporations and academic institutions are private entities and therefore employees or anyone associated with them are not afforded constitutional protection.

Most companies clearly spell out the expected behaviors of their employers upon their hiring and inevitably they expect them to carry on those expected behaviors in their personal lives in a manner consistent with a positive image of that company or organization. For instance, NFL commissioner Rogel Goddell’s no nonsense response to transgressions by football players in their personal lives is an example of an employer cracking down on employee behavior outside the workplace.

I am with you on the separating work from Personal life. I don't think you should get fired from your job because of any activities or the way that you view things outside.

I do agree with you Francisco about how people shouldn't have their personal lives mixed up with their professionals. In the other hand, I support Duncan point of view regarding the level of professionalism you should keep outside of work as you represent your working place. Online has become a place where people express their view nowadays, but also has become a key tool for employers to determine whether a person should be hired or not. I wonder what would be your reaction if a person you're about to hire in your company posts only inappropriate comments and pictures online.

I do think that you should be cautious of what you post outside of work. In a way you are still a representative of your employer outside of work and thus should at least try to maintain some level of professionalism.

Usually I'd jump right to the side or personal privacy, and tell the employer to mind their own business. But this situation seems a little outside the usual. This teacher was discussing, or "ranting about" as the article calls it, her students online. There are strict rules governing information related to minors online, and without seeing the actual posts, it seems she actually did violate these policies. Although firing her does seems like they're throwing the book at her, but I don't think it's an unreasonable response. I think a warning or minor reprimand would have been just as fair. The two year unpaid suspension she ended up with after fighting for her job still seems a bit strict to me, but I might feel differently if I had children.

I know there are at least a few parents around here and I'd like to hear their opinions.