The Power of Protests
This summer, the world has seen how one event can spur worldwide protests to bring about change. Many of our students have not only seen on TV the massive protests across the world, but may have had conversations about equality and discrimination and/or participated in local protests across the state of Texas - maybe for the first time. Is your district prepared to appropriately handle the possibility of more expressions of speech and protests? Check out each tab below for more information.
Students do not leave their first amendment rights at home when they enter the doors to our campuses. Teachers, counselors, and administrators need to be aware of students’ rights regarding freedom of speech and the expression of that speech through protests. Subscribers of TxSP, see the Student Rights Section to ensure your district has a complete understanding of what is permitted and what is not.
Review your regulations/protocols around student led groups and patriotic society presentations.
In TxSP’s protocol regarding the rights to freedom of speech and protest, there are guidelines regarding acceptable restrictions, examples of content-neutral restrictions, and considerations for disciplinary action. For example, students cannot receive consequences for a walk-out during the school day as a protest, but can be counted with an unexcused absence, can be counted as truant, or not following rules around checking out with permissions, etc.
- Schools are the place where students learn about being engaged in society and districts can play a critical role in teaching the constitutional values and fostering productive dialogue.
- Consider developing a forum or process where students can discuss their opinions, concerns, grievances, etc.
- When students want to protest, plan with the students an action that fits within the district rules.
- Review the student code of conduct to ensure that this topic is appropriately addressed.
- Ensure your staff has met the training requirements set forth in SB 11 on Trauma Informed practices and include discussions around racial trauma.
- Prepare your school counselors for multicultural counseling with students around racially charged issues.
- See the Student’s Rights Section for more ideas.
