First Amendment
Learn more about how the freedoms of speech, religion, and assembly play out in schools
School & District Management
Israel-Hamas War Poses Tough Questions for K-12 Leaders, Too
High school students have joined walkouts, while charges of antisemitism in three districts will be the focus of a House hearing this week.
States
School Chaplain Bills Multiply, Stirring Debate on Faith-Based Counseling
Proponents say school chaplains could help address a mental health crisis. Opponents raise concerns about religious coercion.
Law & Courts
When Blocking Social Media Critics, School Officials Have Protections, Supreme Court Says
The court said public officials' own pages may be "state action," but only when they are exercising government authority.
Teaching Profession
Teachers Face Backlash—and Discipline—for Political Stances on Israel-Hamas War
Recent clashes over teachers' views on the war raise concerns about political expression inside and outside the classroom.
Law & Courts
What the Supreme Court Had to Say About School Board Members Blocking Constituents
The justices take up a case involving school board members who blocked some constituents from posting comments on public social media pages.
Law & Courts
School Board Members' Use of Social Media Faces Key First Amendment Test in Supreme Court
The justices will decide whether school board members engaged in government action when they blocked parents who posted repetitive comments.
Law & Courts
Appeals Court Blocks District Policy That Requires Students to 'Respect' Gender Identity
The federal appeals court panel holds that the policy is likely unconstitutionally vague under the First Amendment.
Law & Courts
Lawsuit Spotlights California’s Restrictions on Researchers’ Use of Its 91ÖÆƬ³§ÊÓƵ Data
A California lawsuit has raised questions about researchers' access to education data.
Law & Courts
A Student Lampooned His Principal on Instagram and Got Suspended. Now, He's Suing
The student argues his posts did not disrupt school and are protected under a Supreme Court decision.
Law & Courts
Authors and Students Sue Florida 91ÖÆƬ³§ÊÓƵ Officials to Restore Access to Banned Book
The plaintiffs are suing to get access to the book restored.
Law & Courts
District That Restricted Access to Over 100 Books Sued by Publisher, Free Speech Group
Penguin Random House, PEN America, and several banned book authors are suing a Florida school district over removing and restricting books.
Law & Courts
Their District Banned 'Let's Go Brandon!' Shirts. Now Students Are Suing
The Michigan students wore hoodies with the coded message critical of President Biden, which their district says is inappropriate for school.
Law & Courts
U.S. Supreme Court Has Schools in Mind as It Weighs What 'True Threats' Are
The justices cite school and college scenarios as they consider when speech perceived as threatening may be punished.
Student Well-Being
Districts Say Social Media Is Hurting Students' Mental Health. Now They're Suing
A growing number of school districts are filing lawsuits to hold social media companies accountable for teens' declining mental health.