FROM THE ACLU: Walking out of school: what you need to know 24FEB18

STUDENTS, with the support on their parents and school officials, will continue to plan and carry out walk out to protest gun violence and to demand local, state and federal politicians pass sane, fair gun control in reaction to the Parkland school mass shooting. There are rumors school officials in some districts, mainly in red, nra states, are being pressured by nra politicians to reign in their students and turn down the pressure to address the issues  of mass shootings, gun violence and gun control. The ACLU/People Power will hold a teleconference at 8:00 PM ET 1 MARCH 18 on student's civil rights. Students, their parents and teachers as well as school administrators and officials should participate in this teleconference so everyone understands the rights and responsibilities of everyone involved in these actions. Click the link below to sign up, and share with others. Actions like this make me proud to be a member of the ACLU, I have been for years.....

Students around the country are turning last week's heartbreaking school shooting in Parkland, Florida into an inspiring push for change. In addition to grieving the lives of 17 classmates, students have met with the President, spoken their minds to Members of Congress, and taken to the streets and the internet. This is an incredible example of what people power looks like – what the First Amendment feels like in practice.

In the past few days, we've heard from students, parents, and teachers asking what students' rights are – and whether schools can discipline students for speaking out.

Plans for coordinated student walkouts have been making national news and have already spurred disciplinary threats from some school administrators. That's why we think it's so important that everyone learns about their rights.

Join us on Thursday, March 1 at 8pm ET for a Students: Know Your Rights! Training
(This link will take you to our People Power website.)

You'll hear from student leaders and members of the ACLU legal team, like me, on our constitutional right to free speech and expression, and what it means for students who want to speak out. We'll also share some details on how to report any possible First Amendment violations so that our team can track what's going on around the country.

We're inspired by the leadership and courage that students across the country have shown in response to the tragic shooting at Stoneman High School.

Whether you're a young person or a parent, teacher, school staff or ally, we hope you'll join us to learn about students' rights. 

Students: Know Your Rights!
Thursday, March 1
8pm ET / 5pm PT

Register for the call.

Thanks,

Vera Eidelman
Brennan Fellow
ACLU Speech, Privacy, and Technology Project

P.S. Want some more information about student free speech? Check out this breakdown of school discipline and protest issues here.