Watch CBS News

Teacher Fired For Refusing To 'Unfriend' Students On Facebook

CLAREMONT, NH (CBS) – At 79 years old, Carol Thebarge, a long-time substitute teacher, is out of work.

It's not because she's retiring but because of a flap over Facebook.

"There's a paranoia about the Internet and I think that we're not realizing how valuable Facebook can be used properly," said Thebarge.

Affectionately known as Mrs. T, Thebarge taught for nine years at Stevens High School in Claremont, New Hampshire.

She was friends with about 250 current students on her Facebook page but that's against school policy and she was told to 'unfriend' them.

"They gave me an ultimatum–either take them all off or you are terminated," said Thebarge. "And I decided that I would not comply and so I was terminated. And it's caused a firestorm across the entire area."

The superintendent says the policy is in place to prevent any boundaries from being crossed.

Read more at CBSBoston.com

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.