What free speech rights does my child have with respect to the school?

 

  • Student’s rights to free speech in a public school depend on the circumstances.
  • If the child is make a statement that could potentially be construed by the public as being “blessed” by the school, or under the auspices of the school, then the school has the right to know, ahead of time, what the child plans to say, and to stop them from saying it, and potentially to discipline the child, particularly if the child’s remarks violate the student code of conduct.
  • Outside of that, the child has the right to free speech, just like anyone else. The child might put up a web site criticizing or parodying the school administration, and this is perfectly legal and permissible.