What are my free speech rights in a public school?
A. The Court has long held that public school students don’t “leave their constitutional rights at the schoolhouse door.” This means that a students constitutional rights are protected even at school. However, the Court has also recognized a need for school officials to ensure the safety and education of their students. Consequently, as a student, your speech can be regulated and limited within the school-setting. You cannot threaten another student or encourage violence, or promote the illegal use of drugs or alcohol. A 2007 Supreme Court decision, Morse v. Frederick, reiterated this position when the Court stated: “The First Amendment does not require schools to tolerate at school events student expression that contributes to those dangers [of illegal drug use].” The Court has given school officials the ability to restrict student speech that they consider dangerous and harmful to other students. Q. What happens if I say something that isnt considered protected? A. You can say whatev
