This school year we want you to be prepared to defend your right to speak, think and create.
These resources will help you better understand your First Amendment rights (they’re different in and out of school!), take action against censorship in your communities and learn about notable cases relating to student speech.
Whether you’re a student artist, student journalist, student activist or student-with-something-today, if you feel your rights are under threat, we’re here to help.
The First Amendment
Understand what censorship is and isn’t.
The First Amendment in Schools
Learn how the First Amendment applies to public schools.
Book Censorship
Kids’ Right to Read Action Kit
Learn how to effectively fight book challenges in your school.
Books about LGBTQ characters and stories remain among the most frequently challenged and banned in schools and libraries. This resource offers an overview of common arguments made by would-be censors and techniques for advocating for LGBTQ stories in your schools and communities.
Theater Censorship
Censorship controversies around performance most frequently occur in schools and are challenged by parents, community members, or school officials. Use these 7 steps to defend your right to free access to educational materials and your right to artistic expression.
Protesting at School
BE HEARD! Protecting Your Protest Rights
This comic by cartoonist Kai Texel outlines best practices to help students assert their rights to speech, protest, assembly and petition, warns about risks, and provides resources to get more help.
Although government cannot punish citizens for their controversial speech in non-school settings, the rules change when schools are involved.
Student Journalism
Student Press Law Center Resources for Journalists
From covering walk-outs and protests to responding to censorship, the Student Press Law Center maintains an extensive collection of thorough resources on student press rights and has an FAQ page for high school newspaper rights. It also provides legal help on censorship issues to student journalists, teachers, and school administrators.
Internet Filters
Internet Filters in Schools and Public Libraries
Find out what you can do if your school or public library’s internet filters are over-blocking educational material.