Harvards decision to rescind admissions over social media violates free speech, professor says <\/p>\n
For many, it's a dream come true. Acceptance into the oldest institution of higher education in the United States, Harvard. <\/p>\n
But for at least 10 incoming freshmen, the dream was dashed after they were caught participating in an exchange of images, or 'memes', in a private Facebook messaging group. <\/p>\n
Many of the posts were described as racist, homophobic and anti-Semitic. Some mocked sexual assault or violence. <\/p>\n
HARVARD UNIVERSITY REPORTEDLY PULLS 10 STUDENT OFFERS OVER ONLINE COMMENTS <\/p>\n
The prestigious school rescinded admission, a move Harvard's own professor of law, Alan Dershowitz, described as over-punishment and draconian. <\/p>\n
\"Harvard is a private university, technically not bound by the First Amendment, but since I got to Harvard 53 years ago, Harvard has committed itself to following the First Amendment and I think this violates the spirit and the letter of the First Amendment,\" said Dershowitz. <\/p>\n
Harvard officials declined Fox News request for an interview, stating: \"We do not comment publicly on the admissions status of individual applicants.\" <\/p>\n
However, the school reserves the right to withdraw an offer of admission for many reasons, including student behavior that \"brings into question their honesty, maturity, or moral character.\" <\/p>\n
THINK BEFORE YOU POST: ADMISSIONS EXPERTS' SOCIAL MEDIA TIPS <\/p>\n
Rachel Blankstein, the co-founder of Spark Admissions, a Massachusetts-based consulting business that helps students gain admission to top U.S. colleges and universities, said Harvard's move did not shock her. <\/p>\n
\"They also have a highly selective admissions process in which they're looking for students with strong moral character,\" said Blankstein. \"It's really not about free speech, it's about character.\" <\/p>\n
Blankstein noted that all elite institutions have a code of conduct, adding \"I would not be surprised if other schools would have made the same decision.\" <\/p>\n
Harvard's call may well serve as a cautionary tale for hopeful college applicants and those who have already gained admittance. <\/p>\n
\"My first day teaching students both at Harvard College and Harvard Law School, I warn them about the social media, Dershowitz said. I warn them about putting things on Facebook that will come back to haunt them and they just don't seem to get it.\"<\/p>\n
Molly Line joined Fox News Channel as a Boston-based correspondent in January 2006. <\/p>\n
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