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Twelve Corners Middle School

FAQs

TCMS Family & Staff FAQ: Responding to Online Hate Speech

Q1. What counts as “online hate speech”?

Online hate speech includes digital posts, messages, or images that target a person or group based on identity (race, religion, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, or disability) with slurs, stereotypes, or threats. It also includes sharing hateful memes or content that degrades others.

Q2. Does TCMS respond to speech that happens off-campus or outside school hours?

Sometimes. By law (based on the U.S. Supreme Court’s Mahanoy v. B.L. decision), schools can take action when off-campus or online speech:

  • Causes a substantial disruption to school operations,

  • Targets or threatens a member of the school community, or

  • Interferes with another student’s ability to feel safe or learn.

If it doesn’t meet those thresholds, the school will still offer education and restorative supports, but formal discipline may not apply.

Q3. How can a student or family report online hate speech?

Q4. What happens after a report is made?

  • An administrator reviews the report within 24 hours.

  • If it involves a possible hate incident or major disruption, the TCMS Triage Team investigates.

  • Families of involved students are contacted early in the process.

  • Once resolved, the school shares a summary of next steps or educational actions taken (while respecting privacy laws).

Q5. What are the possible outcomes for students involved?

  • Educational or restorative actions: reflection essays, facilitated conversations, or participation in lessons about inclusive language and digital citizenship.

  • Disciplinary actions: if conduct violates the Code of Conduct (harassment, bullying, threats), consequences range from detention to suspension, depending on severity.

  • Supportive actions: counseling, mediation, and community-building activities.

Q6. How does TCMS prevent hate speech before it happens?

  • Ongoing Inclusive Language Protocol lessons during WIN/FLEX periods.

  • Staff professional learning on bias awareness and restorative practices.

Q7. What can families do at home?

  • Talk regularly about empathy, online respect, and the real-world impact of digital words.

  • Review your student’s social media privacy and comment settings.

  • Encourage reporting harmful behavior rather than engaging in it.