The governor has responded appropriately. Good for him.
Kansas gov. says staff overreacted to teen's tweet
By BILL DRAPER, Associated Press – 42 minutes ago
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback apologized Monday for his office's response to a disparaging Twitter post by a high school senior who was attending a school function at the state Capitol.
"My staff overreacted to this tweet, and for that I apologize," Brownback said in a Monday statement emailed to The Associated Press. "Freedom of speech is among our most treasured freedoms."
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The Shawnee Mission East senior decided to not write the apology letter and the school district issued a statement Monday saying there would be no repercussions.
"Whether and to whom any apologies are issued will be left to the individuals involved," the statement said. "The issue has resulted in many teachable moments concerning the use of social media. The district does not intend to take any further action on this matter."
Doug Bonney, legal director for the American Civil Liberties Union of Kansas and Western Missouri, said the teen's speech was clearly protected by the First Amendment.
"Saying that the governor is no good and is a blowhard is core protected speech," Bonney said. "It's absolutely what the First Amendment was designed to protect."
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Full story: http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5imoX_bzzyC5jjjgBDjKUBEsOn0eA?docId=9f795bb41b234894beac31e45247d1e1
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