University denying teaching degree based on a MySpace "DrunkenPirate" photo?

[Sanford Levinson]

For what it is worth, I find this indefensible.  What if she had
published an op-ed arguing that many other countries around the world
(including, of course, France) have a far more sane view about alcohol
and youngsters, so that parents should feel no hesitation in giving
their "underage" children wine at family dinners?  

sandy 

-----Original Message-----
From: conlawprof-bounces at lists.ucla.edu
[mailto:conlawprof-bounces at lists.ucla.edu] On Behalf Of Volokh, Eugene
Sent: Monday, April 30, 2007 4:37 PM
To: conlawprof at lists.ucla.edu
Subject: University denying teaching degree based on a MySpace
"DrunkenPirate" photo?

Any thoughts on this?

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/1110AP_BRF_MySpace_Photo_Graduati
on.html

A woman denied a teaching degree on the eve of graduation because of a
MySpace photo has sued the university.

Millersville University instead granted Stacy Snyder a degree in English
last year after learning of her Web-published picture, which bore the
caption "Drunken Pirate."

"I dreamed about being a teacher for a long time," said Snyder, 27, who
now works as a nanny.

The photo, taken at a 2005 Halloween party, shows Snyder wearing a
pirate hat while drinking from a plastic "Mr. Goodbar" cup. It was
posted on her own MySpace site.

Although Snyder apologized, she learned the day before graduation that
she would not be awarded an education degree or teaching certificate.

Jane S. Bray, dean of the School of Education, accused Snyder of
promoting underage drinking, the suit states.

The federal lawsuit seeks at least $75,000 in damages. Millersville
spokeswoman Janet Kacskos referred questions to a state System of Higher
Education spokesman, who declined comment.

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