Haunting Tweets: Is there a limit for how a person should be judged based on past comments?

Just last week comedian Kevin Hart stepped down from hosting the Oscars after years old homophobic tweets resurfaced, and this past weekend Heisman trophy winner, Kyler Murray, had to apologize for questionable tweets he made when he was a teen.

Hart and Murray join several other famous athletes and celebrities that find themselves in a negative spotlight as a result of old tweets resurfacing.

But the question is, what’s the limit for how a person can or should be judged based on past comments?

Anthony Brinson, a UTEP track runner, does not think it is fair to judge a person based on old tweets.

“I don’t think it’s fair because like you’re young minded back then,” said Brinson.

Other students believe that people should in fact be held accountable for past tweets- especially when on the hunt for a job.

“I know with like me for example with my internship, I have to watch what I post on social media. I know for some organizations and some universities they have people go into other peoples social medias to see if you are putting on a good face and how you’ll represent the company,” said UTEP student Dajama Harkness.

However, one thing many students told us was that age should be taken into consideration.

“There’s definitely a difference from when you’re like a teenager to versus you being like 20 something,” said Victoria Shirley, a UTEP student.

We reached out to SISD to ask how they handle social media awareness. The district stated that it has lessons on cyber safety and being aware of student’s digital footprint. Counselors also teach students to be responsible and respectful online.