Know Your Rights

You’re not just a student. You’re a citizen and your voice matters.

In school, it can sometimes feel like you have to stay quiet, because of peer pressure or maybe because you have an opinion the majority does not agree with. But the truth is, you still have rights to speak your mind (though you should always be respectful and thoughtful to your peers). 

1) You have the right to free expression.

Under the First Amendment, the government cannot restrict speech based on its content or viewpoint, and public school students do not lose their rights at the schoolhouse gate (Tinker v. Des Moines, 1969). 

• You can speak up in class, start a petition, or write an opinion in the school newspaper (as long as it doesn’t seriously disrupt school activities or infringe upon others’ rights). 

• You can peacefully protest or wear clothing with messages, even if they’re unpopular.

2) You have the right to access ideas.

Schools can’t remove books or classroom materials just because someone finds them offensive. You deserve access to stories that reflect your experiences and challenge your thinking. If books are being banned or removed, you can ask questions to your administration, attend school board meetings, and speak out.

3) You can defend your teachers.

Many teachers are now self censoring and avoiding certain topics and texts (especially on issues regarding wars, abortion, affirmative action, climate change, immigration, drug policy, inequality, gun control etc.) 

You can:

• Speak at a school board meeting or write a letter to them

• Organize a free speech & anti censorship book club or awareness events

4. You have the right to learn.

When voices, books, or histories are erased, students lose the chance to think critically, understand differing perspectives, act as a responsible global citizen, and grow fully. You deserve to know the full picture of an event in order to form a cohesive opinion on something.