Student Speech & Protest
Public-school students keep their First Amendment rights at the schoolhouse gate. Plain-English guides to what students can say, wear, and post; off-campus social media; walkouts and protests; starting clubs; and recording — where the line is between protected expression and speech a school can actually discipline.
All Student Speech & Protest guides
- Can a School Punish a Student for an Off-Campus TikTok or Social Media Post?
Post-Mahanoy, public schools generally can't punish off-campus posts, but true threats, severe harassment, and cheating are real exceptions.
- Can a School Stop Students From Starting a Political or Religious Club?
If a public school allows one non-curricular club, a federal law usually bars it from denying others based on political or religious viewpoint.
- Can a School Discipline a Student for Recording a Teacher?
Recording a teacher can be legal under state law yet still get you disciplined under school policy. Here's how the two rules actually work.
- Can a Public School Limit What Students Say, Wear, or Post?
Public schools can limit some student speech, but not all of it. Learn the four Supreme Court rules that decide what's allowed.
- Can Students Protest or Walk Out of School Without Being Suspended?
Students in public schools can protest peacefully, but schools can still discipline the absence itself. Here's the real rule and how to protect your child.