Facebook flap sparks protest at New Hampshire high school
CLAREMONT, N.H. - At 79 years old, Carol Thebarge, a long-time substitute teacher, is out of work because of a flap over Facebook, reports CBS Boston.
"There's a paranoia about the Internet and I think that we're not realizing how valuable Facebook can be used properly," Thebarge said.
Affectionately known as Mrs. T, Thebarge taught for nine years at Stevens High School in Claremont, New Hampshire.
She was friends with about 250 current students on her Facebook page but that is against school policy and she was told to 'unfriend' them.
"They gave me an ultimatum - either take them all off or you are terminated," Thebarge said. "And I decided that I would not comply and so I was terminated. And it's caused a firestorm across the entire area."
The superintendent said the policy was in place to prevent any boundaries from being crossed.
"Facebook is a wonderful communication tool among friends," said Dr. Middleton McGoodwin. "But teachers are not students' friends. She's a wonderful lady and she's loved by many but that doesn't give you allowance to ignore a protocol designed to protect all."
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At school, some students are picketing to get Thebarge her job back.
"She wasn't harming anybody," said one student, Kayla Jennison. "She was a great person and always helps us."
Elizieh Sheppard, another Stevens High School student holding a protest sign outside school Monday, said, "She was like a second mom to all of us."
But not everyone is siding with the teacher.
One person posted on Facebook, "Rules are rules and while her intentions MIGHT be good, I am sure parents don't want male teachers friending their 14/15 year old daughters on facebook!"
Despite the picket and a petition now circulating to get Thebarge reinstated, school officials say she will not get her job back unless she complies with the policy.
Thebarge says she will not be going back to the school district even if she is allowed to return.
And her 35-year teaching career could be over.