First Amendment Rights for Student Protestors

First Amendment Rights

for student protestors

Protected

Risky*

*Meaning your school is allowed to punish you for it

• Unpopular Statements

You can’t be punished for protest content alone, even if school officials or others disagree.

• Protests outside school/during non-instructional time

You may protest off campus or during breaks as long as you don’t block access or disrupt class.

• Printed materials/clothing with messages

As long as it isn’t vulgar, disruptive, violent, or promotes illegal drug use

• Advocating violence

You can't "encourage unlawful activity," including illegal drug use.

• Vulgar, offensive, or rude language

Despite being subjective, profanity and vulger imagery can legally justify limiting student speech.

• Disruption to school activities

There’s no clear legal consensus with this one, but know that officials may discipline students if speech substantially disrupts school activities.

Source: National Coalition Against Censorship