" This entire discussion makes me sick. First, the vast majority of students at KPHS agree that the comments made in the Facebook community were inappropriate. I, for one, am upset because our senator showed such an utter lack of self-control and maturity. He could have used the circumstances to demonstrate how a politician should act, with poise and grace. Instead, he used the opportunity to drop to the level of the students who posted about him. You cannot compare the actions of those students to his; they are high school students, and he is a state senator. He is supposed to be a role model. Second, the Facebook was not encouraged by the teacher in question, nor were any of the comments. As I understand it, he was very open to discussion about gay marriage. None of the students I have talked to felt that they needed to conform to his beliefs to achieve a high grade in his class. Please, try to learn the facts of what occurred before you go debating it. "

" Why are the military awards singled out? Perhaps, and I am only speculating, the administration does not want to see their students be turned into cannon fodder!! As for exposing the "hate speech" that is completely invalid. Exposing implies that there was something hidden, and it was said that the "hate speech" was posted on the internet, which was dubbed a public place, so tell me how is it exposing if it was never covered up or hidden? "

" dan k. yea do you go to kp??? how would you know wether or not our teachers teach us anything? would you take the word of the media? not a very reliable source now a days... "

" Kevin Jervais wrote on February 09, 2007 12:50 PM:"Scott Brown rules! He is the answer, not the problem. These kids should be thanking him for what he does everyday, things that they don't even understand. Who cares what the kids think of politics? They were put up to it by their socialist teachers. That's why there is an age requirement for voting. " hahhaa, the teacher in question is actually a conservative, in the traditional sense of conservatism. you should care what kids think about politics because most of the kids that would say anything, in my opinion, would be the senior class, which are mostly 18, including me, who would be voting left-wing anyways. "

" I invite everyone to go back and review the erudite comments of Kevin Jervais near the beginning of this blog series. The views that he expresses seem remarkably similar in their tact and insightfulness to the way the senator himself conducted himself to the KPHS students. No wonder Jervais is such a supporter! "

" In response to your message Paul Couturier, I would appreciate if the discussion would be only applied to Scott Brown, not to whether the school allows the military to present awards. On another note, your assumption on what hate speech was written is entirely incorrect. These comments were not focused specifically on him. If he did not push his way into my school, then these children would not have said such words. But, because he bullied his way into the school, the anger of the students went unbridled. If only he had not decided to push the school administration around, the children would not have written such comments about him. "

" At Paul Couturier, I still do not beleive anyone no matter what their figure is has the right to swear in school if we are not allowed to, and isn't his anti-gay marriage hate too? I see it is, so he should not retaliate for hate if he is also hating someone for even less of a reason than why people hate him, they hate him for his opinions, not their orientation. That is a policy my school has, I could find it but I do not know where to look, I was told it by an administration figure of my school last year. It was conveniently "singled out" just as all other scholarship ceremonies would have been. "

" Please! A certain blogger on this subject persists in thinking that somehow Senator Brown was invited "out of the blue" to debate gay marriage and to speak about the legislative process" to a group of KPHS students. First, he was the only speaker. There was no debate format. Second, his "invitation" was the result of some serious twisting of the superintendent's arm after the principal properly declined Brown's urgent impromptu request to speak. She quite rightly "smelled a rat" and stood up for her school. Blogger, if you believe that Brown just happened to be there that day, I have a Bridge to sell to you. It is located in one of New York City's five boroughs. "

" If these kids write that kind of garbage on the website, they can expect it to backfire on them. No sympathy. "

" The GI kid said "we have freedom of speech in school as long as it's not disruptive to the classroom. We are also not allowed to swear in school, so he should not be allowed to either." Except Senator Brown is NOT a student, and what he was doing was EXPOSING hate speech for what it is! " And to your "anti-military" position of my school is wrong, it was actually a policy of my school that scholarship ceremonies were not allowed at my school, so gradation would not be extremely long, this is a very logical standpoint, just some one at my school was insulted by this and made out school out to be anti-military, which our school is not." PROVE IT! Then WHY was the United States Military Academy CONVENIENTLY singled OUT???? "Also, Scott was invited to debate Gay Marriage and talk about the legislation system, what he did was inappropriate and should not have happened." And he wouldn't have, if some of your classmates hadn't acted IRRESPONSIBLY by posing hate speech on the Internet for the whole world to see! He was merely using his freedom of speech to expose the hate speech of your classmates! The way I see it, if you don't want to be exposed as a hate-filled republican-hater, then keep your comments to yourself! Besides, if Senator Brown hadn't exposed the hate speech of your classmates, someoen else eventually would have! Welcome to Life! "

" As to this pleasant poetry about Brown's daughter finding the site where students were making negative comments about him--perhaps she did find it. But I can tell you from the inside that this search by the daughter was set into motion by a couple of KP parents among the politically conservative Brown faithful who saw an opportunity, knowing Brown's personal views, to attack a certain KP teacher whom they already disliked for their own reasons. "

" It is amazing that the general public seems to think that freedom of speech is absolute. The US Supreme Court established many years ago that that is not the case a t all. The famous majority opinion of the court used the example of "You can't yell fire in a crowded theater" for the fun (self indulgence?) of it. Think about it. Should a state senator of the Commonwealth be able to yell the f--- word in front of students at an assembly in a public high school--hiding behind the fact that some student or students had used the word in writing about Brown on the internet. Who is the child and who is the adult here? The senator presented a terrible role model to a captive audience of young people. I reiterate--he should resign. If he does not, he should be voted out in the 2008 election. "

" at Paul Couturier, we have freedom of speech in school as long as it's not disruptive to the classroom. We are also not allowed to swear in school, so he should not be allowed to either. And to your "anti-military" position of my school is wrong, it was actually a policy of my school that scholarship ceremonies were not allowed at my school, so gradation would not be extremely long, this is a very logical standpoint, just some one at my school was insulted by this and made out school out to be anti-military, which our school is not. Also, Scott was invited to debate Gay Marriage and talk about the legislation system, what he did was inappropriate and should not have happened. "

" To avoid confusion, I would just like to note that the most recent post by "KPkid" was from a different person than the previous post by "KPkid". "

" If what is contained in this article is true, then the way I see it, Senator Brown merely used HIS freedom of speech to expose irresponsible hate speech for what it is. Would these foul-mouthed brats have felt better if it was a dumocrat who exposed their irresponsible hate speech. Last time I checked, the Internet is a public place; anyone could have called these cowards on their hate speech. Last time I checked, Senator brown has the same right to free speech as these high school kids do! Seems to me like KPHS's reputation has just gone from bad to worse based on the comments of a few brainless kids! First it was the anti-military attitude of the administration last June, now this; what's next! Hey kids, welcome to life! For the record, I'm not a republican OR a conservative! "

" What most bloggers here seem not to know is that the KP principal denied Senator Brown's request to be allowed "equal time" to respond to a classroom discussion that involved his position on issues having to do with gay rights. In doing so, the principal was quite right. Imagine that every time anyone, state senator or otherwise, wanted to be heard with "equal time" on some issue or other that was discussed in a classroom, that he/she actually requested to do so. Think about how that would burn up learning time---allowing someone who had strong feelings about an issue to come into the school and air those feelings. Absolutely absurd! Yet, Senator Brown went over the KP principal's head to the superintendent and intimidated him so that Brown was able to bull his way into the school. He then proceeded to attack individual students by name, including the use of the f--- word. What unconscionable self indulgence! The man should resign. "

" I am a current student at KP, I completely disagree with what Scott Brown did, especially if it was in a SCHOOL SETTING, where some students may still not have heard swears, highly unlikely, but still possible. Some students might still be highly offended by swears also, and some parents would be offended of a authority figure swearing to teenagers, I know the teachers were very offended. It was suppose to be a debate between one of the coolest teachers at my school and Scott Brown, and for him to talk about legislation, not for him to attack students personally, by name. A student also got suspended after asking a question that was appropriate and scott asked for his name and the student said that was irrelevant, this I disagree with. I am also proud to live in the only state where gay marriage is legal, even though my orientation is straight. "

" ima student at KP and while i do not believe that the facebook comments were appropriate or neccessary i also believe that Mr. Brown did not need to read them verbatim, but i also must say that i was not invited to go to the assembly. i repeat i was NOT invited along with any member of the school who wasnt in the classes the teacher talked to. i feel this is, for lack of better wording, stupid... i would have like to gone and just listened to what he has to say, but i and all other students were told we were NOT allowed to go listen...as i have nothing bad to say about scott brown i just disagree with his look on gay mairrage it wud have been nice to see why his views are as they are "

" To the person who asked where I was getting my information: Scott was notified that there were comments about him on facebook. His daughter was able to access the site (you have to be a student) and showed him what they were. I don't mean to suggest that the faculty at King Philip is trying to indoctrinate these kids, on the contrary, we have friends who are teachers at KP, and and there are some really good ones who support Scott. I just want the parents to be aware of what some individuals are teaching their children. "

" Posting anything online is considered public domain. These silly children's attempt to hide behind a keyboard failed because an adult in power brought this to everyones attention. For the other children that have posted here stating Mr. Brown was wrong or that he was less than mature I suggest you're aruements have no basis. What Mr. Brown did was to expose some of the public behavior today's children exhibit. Unfortunately much of this behavior, when left unchecked, leads to even worse or dangerous incident. Let's be thankful Mr. Brown stepped up and did not ignore this case. I hope this will prompt more parents to learn more about what their children are up to before they get in so deep they get hurt. "

" ztbScott Brown was invited by the faculty and students of King Philip to discuss controversial issues and in particular gay marriage and the democratic process and these topics are the only topics that his comments should have reflected. If Senator Brown responds this immaturely to the adolescent ramblings of few high school students, I predict his political career will be a short one and amen to that. Most of the students in attendance had nothing to do with the face book and I know my son's school time was wasted by this arrogant and narcissistic politian. As a parent, I too would be upset about comments written about my children but Scott Brown subjected his minor daughter to the caustic, ascerbic vitriol of Simon Cowell on weekly basis in front of millions. I'm sure she can handle the nasty comments of a few local teenagers. The school erred only in not removing Senator Brown from the podium when he became inappropriate. The rest of blame lies squarley with Senator Brown. "

" Scott Brown was invited by the faculty and students of King Philip to discuss the legislative process as it relates to controversial issues and in particular, gay marriage. This is what his comments should have reflected. If he intends to respond childishly each time someone criticizes him or his family albeit inappropriately, he will have a very short lived political career and amen to that. It is interesting that he allowed his daughter to be humiliated weekly in front of millions of people by the ascerbic, caustic vitriol of Simon Cowell but is suddenly outraged by the adolescent nonsense of a few high school students. Scott Brown's narcissism and arrogance cost him a valuable opportunity to educate students about the democratic process. Most of the roughly one hundred students in attendance had nothing to do with the face book and should not have had their school time wasted on this foolishness. The school administration should have asked Senator Brown to leave the building when his behavior first became inappropriate but that is their only culpability in this matter. The rest lies squarely with the Senator. "

" Please this was suppose to be an "assembly" to discuss Senator Brownn's views on opposition to gay marriage. Instead he used it as a whining session. It would have been the perfect opportunity to educate the kids on opposing views. Instead Senator Brown degraded these kids. Grown up Brown! The world/Commonwealth does not revolve around the Brown(American Idol) Family! "

" I am currently a student attending Masuk High, and I am utterly outraged by the actions that took place at King Philip High School. Scott Brown has shown nothing immaturity by this act. He abused the hospitality shown by KP when he came there by attacking children. Those supporting him on here, have shown nothing but a severe lack of knowledge and understanding, or rather in words that they would understand, they have shown their stupidity. I believe that Sen. Brown should not be responding to such comments in such a manner. The senator should not be repeating such vulgar language, even if it is only a quote or example. Children look to adults for guidance, and if they see adults using vulgar language and lashing out against others, then they will do the same, making the US an unpleasant place to live in. The bottom line is, Scott Brown made a mistake, and he should apologize for it. This nation's forefathers had worked hard to ensure freedoms for future generations. One of those freedoms was the freedom of speech, which the children exorcized over the internet. I must give kudos to those teachers at KP who teach their students to think for themselves and better equip those students to face the challenges ahead of them. The freedom is somewhat limited to ensure the well being of others. Those others are also the students who as Carrie C said, "...students who wrote what was on facebook turned out NOT TO BE AT THE ASSEMBLY." The senator merely accomplished putting down students and insulting the school. Perhaps Senator Brown should either have been talking about the subject that he was to speak about, or tackling some other issues, such as the genocide at Darfur. To you who are against gay marriage, I ask you this: What do you care and how does it affect you if someone you probably don't know who happens to be homosexual gets married? I have used my REAL name on here to prove that I am serious, responsible and not behind some metaphoric curtain. Sincerely, Bartosz J.P. Szczypiorski "

" Firstly, I'd like to make a point that this teacher and his students discuss a wide variety of topics and share many different opinions. In my experience, no one has ever been afraid to speak them, nor has he treated them any differently for doing so. However, if students truly felt that their grades could be in jeopardy for not agreeing with him why didn't they or their parents talk to the principal about it? It doesn't exactly make sense to get the senator involved before first trying to resolve any possible issues with this teacher with the school. I feel that any issue regarding the school should first before any other parties get involved, be addressed or called attention to the school. If that happened, I don't think we'd be in this mess. "

" I never said that freedom of speech should be restricted, what i said was because most of the people who have left comments here are harshly criticizing the events of thursday were not there. My main point was that a lot of the "adults" here were glamourizing what Scott Brown did, when in fact they have no evidence of what Scott Brown really said. I am not saying that the few students who used curse words on facebook were completely justified in doing so, all that i am saying is that those are not the opinions of all students at King Philip. Also, the history teacher here was simply offering his point of view and accepted the fact that Scott Brown was coming in to offer his point of view. I dont think anybody here has heard Scott's comment about how teachers are only brain washing their students so they can get good grades. Teachers are hard working individuals who deserve respect, not being degraded as students were that day, and furthermore, Scott was not supposed to make any attacks upon the teacher. We are not just kids, we are all not stupid, mindless fools. Many of us understand politics, whether or not you want to believe it, we can also make better arguments than just cursing at Scott Brown. I hope you all may re-think your judgements and before you form opinions upon a school, look at more than just a few foolish students. "

" If students felt that their grades could be in jeopardy for not agreeing with him, why didn't they or their parents talk to the principal about it? It doesn't exactly make sense to get the senator involved before first trying to resolve any possible issues with this teacher with the school. I feel that any issue regarding the school should first before any other parties get involved, be addressed or called attention to the school. If that happened, I don't think we'd be in this mess. "

" Casey: you said, "Parents also let him know what was posted about him on facebook." Scott Brown told the students at the assembly that HIS DAUGHTER found the site the night before. Where are you getting your information on who found and told what? "

" I feel that it is necessary to point out that the teacher involved did not create the website. Also, "Dan K." I am an honor roll student at King Philip who also works at McDonald's to help my parents. "'Do you want fries with that?'??" Perhaps we would all be better off if we considered who ends up reading what we post. "

" CMD, there were some students of this teacher who were afraid of speaking up in class, fearing they would receive bad grades. They went to their parents and related what the teacher was saying. The parents then contacted Senator Brown. Parents also let him know what was posted about him on facebook. "

" Dan K: These are KIDS not adults, and it's not justifiable just because you call it "politics". What Scott Brown did was not brave, not honorable, and not the same as if he were responding to or debating with other adult politicians. He sank to their level. Worse, he used his public speaking forum to respond to an internet posting -- overkill, and abusing his position. I'm frankly shocked that so many are defending this rank behavior, but I guess it does say a lot about how low our expectations have become for our leaders. "

" CMD, You are right. We shouldn't shift the blame, these kids are responsible for their own speech. not the teacher, they are probably just the instigator. By the way, You say "We accepted his request and welcomed him into our school" and then that people you know lost respect for him, well if you work at the school, I doubt your friends would vote Republican anyway. And isn't this originally about homosexual unions? These type of moral (religious) issues shouldn't be promoted by state run schools anyway, the 1st Amendment is clear about this. "

" Carrie C., Perhaps you should speak to those students. They were the ones representing your school. As for the statement:"Most of the comments left on here were from people who were NOT at the assembly that day, and in my opinion not eligible to have a valid opinion on what went on that day." I guess it's ok for you to restrict freedom of speech. That's dangerous logic, in a free country. "

" Mike H. wrote: "Wait a minute here -- Scott Brown is an adult and a public figure -- he used his position and authority to (a) use foul language in front of children and (b) attempt to embarrass children by naming them in public in front of their peers -- and ALL because he didn't like what was being said about him?" a) He didn't create the foul language, he reported it back to the students. b) That is called politics, to say something and to be asked to support your speech. These kids should learn this because that's how the real world operates. "

" Regardless of any rumors that have been spread, I know for a fact that he did not have any clue that students were posting things like that. So he can not be blamed for encourging them to do it. "

" "What you talkin bout, Willis?" Sorry, I couldn't help it. "

" Scott Brown was supposed to come to KP to discuss the legislative process regarding gay marriage. We accepted his request and welcomed him into our school, and we showed him respect. Just because some students exercised free speech on a website and voiced their opinions, didn't mean he had to be as insecure and childish about it as to lash back at highschool students at an assembly. I don't know what he was trying to achieve...because I know alot of people who have now lost all respect for him. He is a politician, people are going to say bad things about him sometimes... he should be able to handle that. Apparently he can't. "

" Good for Scott. I'm glad to hear that some of the students approached him afterwards and apologized for their peers who attacked his family on facebook. Now what about the scrutiny of this teacher who encouraged these kids to post such attacks? I'd like to see him called before the school committee to explain himself. "

" I am totally and completely hurt by most of the comments posted here. Most of the comments left on here were from people who were NOT at the assembly that day, and in my opinion not eligible to have a valid opinion on what went on that day. FOR EVERYBODY TO KNOW: The few students who wrote what was on facebook turned out NOT TO BE AT THE ASSEMBLY. Just because a few students decide to use vulgar language on the internet doesnt mean that he should have punished the entire group. I think most of the comments below are missing the point. He was not there to swear, or yell, or anything. He didn't even talk about his views on opposing gay marriage. Nothing. He just brought up how he was personally hurt by a few comments that DO NOT IN ANY WAY REFLECT THE VIEWS OF EVERYONE IN KP. Just because a few students at KP go about saying their opinions in a vulgar fashion, does not mean that this was our fault. "

" Wait a minute here -- Scott Brown is an adult and a public figure -- he used his position and authority to (a) use foul language in front of children and (b) attempt to embarrass children by naming them in public in front of their peers -- and ALL because he didn't like what was being said about him? This shows INCREDIBLY POOR judgement, and I hope he doesn't have any ambition for higher public office -- because he'll clearly have to face even more people who say things about him that he might not like very much. It's not a democrat vs. republican issue -- I'd be disgusted by ANY politician who did the same thing. It's whiny and pathetic. Bottom line is that I don't think very highly at all of an adult man who can't control himself better in front of kids. He owes them and the teachers an apology, and he needs a lesson in appropriate behavior. I mean, give me a break, he got called the "f" word. Big deal. His response SHOULD have been from higher moral ground, but instead he descended to the kids' level? And some think this is admirable? Sad comment on the world today. "

" Good for the Senator! And waa-boo-hoo for the guilty parties. While they are entitled to their opinions, they need to remember that others will see their rantings posted on the Web. Atleast someone finally called them out. "

" Scott Brown had every right to present the evidence he had. However, in a school environment it is inappropriate to attack students who are merely exercising their right to freedom of speech. Mr. Brown could have gone about his argument in a less vulgar fashion. The language, though quoted, was disgusting and upset many people, administration included. Scott Brown went to the school under false pretenses. He claimed it was to defend his stance on Gay Marriage. When he started attacking the students with vulgarity he over-stepped the line on propriety, especially after being asked to stop by a handful of school officials. The students who attended the assmebly were juniors and sophomors, they are too young to vote and the only way to get their opinions out (for the time being) is through internet threads. They are all well aware of their actions, and the comments made about Mr. Brown's daughters were simply "if Ayla turned out to be gay, would you still oppose gay marriage?" The comments never attacked the character of either of his daughters. "

" Good for Scott Brown, It noce to know that there are actually leaders in our Goverment that stand up for there beliefs and not follow the poles. Unlike most of the folks around here. Think about these kids getting intothe work force. If the teacher at that crazy school cant straighten them out who is. How are they going to get jobs? "

" I happened to be at Scott browns lecture about the "legislative process" and all he did was prove he was immature and couldn't handle a few bad words from a handful of students. it was kinda pathetic really, he made a fool of himself. Politicians get called everything, if Bush took to heart everything people have called him the man would have killed himself years ago. Brown just proved he was so childish that high school kids called him names on the internet he felt the need to express his grief to group of mostly freshman history students. he was completely out of line. "

" YOUR future said: "Our teachers do nothing but encourage us to speak up for what we believe in, and we're now taking a stand." You got the first part right..."Your teachers do nothing..." Here is a novel idea, how about teachers teaching school, not creating a political lobbying group? Did you know that not only Haliburton wins no-bid government contracts not based on merit, the teachers unions do it year after year. You'll realize when you see how little you really get in your first paycheck. Ah, To be young. "

" I thank God that those "little liberal leftist losers" were able to speak their minds about Scott Brown's position on gay marriage. My children have gone through KP's system and have attended some of the top universities in the nation (so much for dan k's "Do you want fries with that?"). KP teachers encouraged them to think for themselves and to become involved in politics to effect change. I'm proud that the students recognize the gay marriage issue as one of civil rights. Keep up the fight, kids -- some things are worth fighting for! "

" YOURfuture, I'm sure your teachers are great. By the way, "I" should be capitalized as well the name "Brown". p.s. You'll learn that when you get to 3rd grade. "

" Good for Scott Brown, there is accountability in the real world. If he had not named the individuals, it would have come across as indictment on KP in general. He was targeting the few cowards who like to shout things and then hide behind the curtain. Well the curtain gets pulled back every now and then. "

" "Scott Brown rules! He is the answer, not the problem. These kids should be thanking him for what he does everyday, things that they don't even understand. Who cares what the kids think of politics? They were put up to it by their socialist teachers. That's why there is an age requirement for voting. " i hope i can grow up to be just as ignorant and programmed as you! a student at king philip, i will just say that i find it my duty to keep myself informed. my "socalist teachers" encourage free speech and political independence, and if that's wrong to you, and if you're not going to let ME decide what I think and insult me and my generation, then that's fine. We're young, but we're not idiots. Our teachers do nothing but encourage us to speak up for what we believe in, and we're now taking a stand. Senator brown used the "f-word" several times on his own accord, outside reading letters. What kind of a role model is this? If anyone's forcing us left, it's most certainly him. If being a belligerent jerk is what lies ahead in persuing a conservative political standing, then count me out! "

" Exactly! If students aren't ashamed to put it on the web, they better be able to take responsibility for what they say in public. I thank God for Scott Brown - he is fighting for the best ideals of society - especially concerning gay marriage. "

" Go Scott Brown. What the students at KP have to learn is that everything they do on the Internet is recorded. This goes for email, facebook, instant messages etc. And here's something else - they can all be traced to the original posting computer. It's a legal issue not a technical problem that prevents lawyers from saying here is the culprit. Also to the technical newbies at KP -- your text messages are recorded by your cell provider. You don't have to worry about POS, you have to worry about LWS (lawyers with subpeonas). You're under 18? No problem, your parents will be sued. As for Mr. Brown repeating the language, he's a lawyer (civilian and military) - look at it as presenting evidence. Here's a lesson for the students at KP and everywhere. Yes you enjoy free speech, just remember that every action has a consequence. "

" Scott Brown rules! He is the answer, not the problem. These kids should be thanking him for what he does everyday, things that they don't even understand. Who cares what the kids think of politics? They were put up to it by their socialist teachers. That's why there is an age requirement for voting. "

" What's wrong? These students gave their name and stated their views. Why can't they own up to their own conduct, their own speech. They want to criticize, but not be judged. That is for the voting booth. The FCC said the news can report things and use language that wouldn't be allowed normally because it is being reported, not being originally stated. This is exactly what Brown did, put the light of day up to the speech of these little liberal leftist losers. Perhaps the teachers could possibly educate them enough to debate ideas using proper language. This should be seen by all as an indictment of the school system, for it is teaching leftist politics and ignoring language and debating skills. "Do you want fries with that?" "