The story of education in the United States cannot be told without homage to the long history of students invoking their freedom of expression, speech, and assembly through peaceful and impactful demonstrations on school campuses. In the past few years, the amount of youth-led protests and walkouts has increased dramatically in the wake of a social shift towards civic engagement and social progress. Youth activists have recognized that social issues have plagued American society since its inception and will continue to negatively impact the lives of students if immediate action is not taken. Through this spirit of advocacy, younger generations have learned how to brighten their future by affecting the present, in particular keeping their government in check. Education is a student's fundamental place in society. When students witness an injustice and establish a platform that engages the attention of those in power, they can create a profound social impact. These platforms include assemblies, sit-ins, walkouts, and other demonstrations, all of which take place on school grounds. As the prevalence of student demonstrations increases, so does the opposition to suppress youth voices. School administrators have limited students' rights to speech by calling them disruptive, off-topic, or truant. The purpose of our organization is to advocate to establish protections for students' right to demonstrate in school.

The Maryland Student Coalition is responsible for leading the charge to ensure students' rights to peacefully demonstrate in schools. During the 2022 Legislative Session, the MSC advocated for the introduction of House Bill 495 which passed in the House of Delegates, but never received a vote in the Senate Committee on Education Health and Environmental Affairs. 

For the 2023 Legislative Session, this legislation has been reintroduced as HB 568

House Hearing Date: February 22nd, 2023 @ 1:00 PM