Statement from IEA President Al Llorens on educators use of social media

SPRINGFIELD - The following statement is attributable to Illinois Education Association (IEA) President Al Llorens:

"The Illinois Education Association (IEA) firmly believes that all educators have the right to speak out on matters of public concern. Like all Americans, teachers, higher educators and school support staff do not surrender their rights when they begin working at a school, college or university. This fundamental principle is essential to the foundation of our public education system.

"Comments made by an educator on social media do not interfere with their professional responsibilities, compromise their ability to teach or create a hostile environment for students. Personal political expression outside of school hours, on personal time, is not a punishable offense. It is a protected right, and one that our students should know every American has.

"We are strongly urging all school district administrators and our school board members recognize public schools should be places where civic engagement is encouraged, not punished, both for students and staff."

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The 135,000 member Illinois Education Association (IEA-NEA) is the state's largest union. IEA represents Pre K-12 teachers outside the city of Chicago and education support staff, higher education faculty, retired education employees and students preparing to become teachers, statewide.