Censorship

Today, while I was at school getting my classroom ready for Open House next week, I got a call from my principal asking me to come and talk to her. I thought it was probably regarding my maternity leave and the questions I was having her check on, so I walked down there happily. I got into her office, sat down, and said, "What's up? Do I need to be nervous?" She looked at me and said, "No, you don't need to be nervous," but then proceeded to shut the door. Uh oh! She then told me that it was brought to her attention by a parent (whose child I've never had in class) that I have complained about school, my class, and my colleagues on Facebook. Apparently this parent was very offended by what I said and would be furious if her child's teacher was complaining about her child. My boss then pulled out the comments in question. Some of them included:

*wants to know what is in the water...her Kindergarteners are all NAUGHTY today! Even the good ones!!!

*can't believe how much of a snot one teacher is! Don't spazz out at me, especially in front of our colleagues...get a grip!

*is still wondering how she almost spent $1000 on her own class' cedar chest...WTF?!?

*was working on memory books for her Kindergarteners last night and is now getting sentimental re: the end of the school year. I know they've been a challenge, but I'm gonna miss these kids A TON (except for the one)!!!

Even though this parent was complaining now, the posts in question were from March and April...I kid you not. They never named anyone specifically, so this person was obviously seeking them out. I told my principal that while I feel bad that I offended someone, that last year was an exceptional year and I needed somewhere to vent about my frustration. I also pointed out that although I am a teacher and have to be very careful that I don't cross any lines, I also shouldn't feel like I have to censor what I do or say just to please others, especially on a site that is meant for friends and family, not psycho parents with oodles of time on their hands. Thank goodness, my boss was not angry with me and told me that it was something to be aware of. She also recommended me changing my privacy settings (I have) and to just be more conscious of what I write. She also said that she'll be addressing the whole Facebook/Twitter/blogging topic at a workshop because others have also been talked to about postings/friends/ photos. I understand and agree, but ask, "What is that fine line between freedom of speech and censorship?"