OSBA, NSBA offer guidance for student walkouts, protests
Wednesday, February 28, 2018
The Parkland, Florida, school shooting has stirred up student protests and walkouts around Oregon, with more expected in March. OSBA has prepared answers to frequently asked questions about schools’ responsibilities and students’ rights.
OSBA advises that generally students walking out should be treated like any other student leaving class without permission. Students can be disciplined for disruptive conduct but not for the content of their speech. Staff members are prohibited from participating in political activities during work time.
“Navigating Student Walkouts and Mass Protests” from the National School Boards Association identifies issues and challenges schools face, as well as offering possible scenarios and responses. NSBA and the Council of School Attorneys also offer First Amendment considerations for the regulation of student and employee speech in public schools.
NSBA encourages schools to plan ahead and to engage students and the community as much as possible. NSBA also recommends that schools confer with their school attorney or OSBA before implementing policies.
