How to support student protests on campus and defend their right to freedom of speech.
Courts have long held that students do not “shed their constitutional rights to freedom of speech or expression at the schoolhouse gate.” Tinker v. Des Moines School District (1969)
The “schoolroom prepares children for citizenship, and [in turn] the proper exercise of the First Amendment is a hallmark of citizenship in our country.” (Chandler v. McMinnville School District (9th Cir. 1992)
Student activism is not new in the United States. It has helped shape history on every level, from war to human rights to environmental issues. These youngest members of society in many cases risked their education and in some cases, their lives, to stand up for their beliefs. From Columbia’s student-led civil rights movement in the 60s, Cornell’s LGBTQ+ movement in the 70s, to today’s Black Lives Matter movement gaining momentum through students in Miami-Dade County, these protests have impacted the world profoundly.
With a purpose to educate and prepare students for their entrance as functioning adult members of society, it’s important for schools to allow students to exercise this right to civic discourse regarding any social justice issues. If they are unable to practice their right to freedom of speech and hold meaningful dialogue with those who hold dissenting beliefs, how are they meant to do so when a future situation demands it?
By quieting their voices, schools rob them of their ability to speak out and insinuate that their opinions do not matter. Therefore, it is of the utmost importance that schools do not just tolerate students’ right to free speech and protests but also actively encourage it. In doing so, schools can support their students without taking a stance themselves, and remind any dissenting voices that they are here to help guide and educate students on the importance of civic engagement. Wondering how you, as an educator, can better support your students? Here are a few ways.
Get informed
If you are unfamiliar with the topic at hand, take the time to do the research and get a thorough grasp of every side of the issue. While it might not be directly impacting you, they could be your students, so it’s important to educate yourself. Also, offer your students an empathetic ear. Letting them voice their concerns and the accompanying emotions will go a long way in understanding their motivation.
Start the conversation
As Martin Luther King Jr. once said, riots are the language of the unheard. The classroom conversations shouldn’t begin only after tensions have hit an all time high out in the real world. Holding regular discussions regarding social justice issues and other current events are an important staple of the education system. It allows students to think critically on their own accord about the issues at hand, and then understand how they can bring about change.
Create a safe atmosphere
In order to promote the vulnerability necessary for active participation, you’ll need to create an atmosphere of safety and acceptance. While disagreement is an important part of any open dialogue, be sure to protect students from any inappropriate responses.
Give them a platform
Rather than trying to quiet students’ concerns, consider giving them a platform where dissenting perspectives are not just heard, but encouraged as well. From school newspapers, podcasts, blogs, to discussion forums, having monitored areas where discussions are encouraged allow students an outlet where they can learn how to communicate their frustrations in a constructive manner. Taking it a step farther to connect students with policymakers and other organizations can enlighten them on how they can enact change within their communities. Schools should encourage voting, writing to congressional leaders or councilpersons, and leveraging social platforms to share their own personal stories.
Plan the logistics
Designating specific times and locations, such as cafeteria sit-ins or classroom teach-ins, gives students a safe space to peacefully protest. Giving students access to space on campus can help to better ensure their safety. If students are planning to join an outside protest, schools should have a plan in place to discuss a unified response.
Discuss safety
If students are discussing joining an outside protest, it’s important to give them tips to do so in a safe and effective manner – from telling them to come prepared with water, food, and a portable charger. Have an emergency number written down, along with a game plan and an exit plan. Ask them to also tell a supportive educator or guardian their plan for protection.
Helping students find their voices and actively work towards fixing social justice issues, is not just a good educational tool but helps to improve society at large. Our government only works when its people actively participate. Any attempt at doing so should be encouraged by educators at every level. Because ultimately, supporting students’ protest is only the start to building the next generation of leaders, freethinkers, and world changers.