Know Your Rights
Your Speech Rights
Protecting LGBTQ-supportive expression is not merely a matter of First Amendment rights—it also plays a crucial role in fostering a safe, welcoming environment for all students.
Censoring LGBTQ students and their allies sends a hurtful message to the entire student body. Moreover, it can expose a school to greater liability in a lawsuit.
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As one federal appeals court put it: “There is no constitutional right to be a bully.”
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Your school administrators and faculty should avoid this common misconception.
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There are a few situations in which student speech may be restricted—within reason.
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Student speech rights in private schools may be subject to different restrictions.
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Schools should grant these communications privileges fairly.
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LGBTQ students and allies have a constitutional right to promote awareness and fairness.
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What school faculty and administrators may express may be subject to different requirements than students.
