Photo: Barbara A. Bloom

High School Students' Rights

The following is from an article in the October 2000 Y&M Magazine. A print version is also available.

Topics:

• Introduction: Say What?
• Rights Under the First Amendment
• What is a "public forum"?
• Supreme Court Rulings
• The Equal Access Act (1984)
• Examples of Things You Can Do – and Restrictions
• What You Can Do to Exercise Your Rights and Who Can Help You

What You Can Do to Exercise Your Rights and Who Can Help You

Just because you're a public school student doesn't mean that you don't have rights! In many places, laws and policies specifically say that you the right to express your opinion. In other places, you may have to refer to the US Constitution.

If you feel that your rights are being violated, you should ask to see a copy of the school district's or board's policy on students' First Amendment rights. (The principal should have a copy.) Often, letting officials know that you know that students have rights and reminding them of this by having them read the policy is enough. Other times, you may have to take your concerns to someone in the district and ask for her or his assistance. Here are some other groups that can help you:

American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU): The ACLU advocates for individual rights which should be protected under the US Constitution. It educates, lobbies, and takes on court cases on a broad array of issues. The ACLU has a section on its website specifically for young people. It answers questions about rights, including privacy concerns (in school, when stopped by the police, etc.) and your right to a hearing and punishment that is not too harsh; gives examples of recent cases; and has a student organizing guide. Local chapters of the ACLU can also help you to research laws in your area or provide other support.

Student Press Law Center: The SPLC is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing legal help and information to the student media and journalism educators. Their website features a wide range of information about legal rights of students and student publications.

The Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund: The LLDEF works for the civil rights of lesbians, gay men, and people with HIV/AIDS through litigation, education, and public policy work. Their website includes a "Back to School" kit for securing civil rights and improving the school climate.

About the Author

Shannon McManimon is a staff member of the American Friends Service Committee's National Youth and Militarism Program. She can be reached at youthmil@afsc.org.

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