(PD) Free Speech in an Election Year

Poll

When a student brings up something controversial in school, I feel

• super prepared to handle it.

• mostly okay.

• not really sure how much I can say.

• like a deer in the headlights.

Multiple Choice

It's the middle of October and students have strong opinions about the upcoming election. Your school dress code does not prohibit t-shirts, so political slogans are starting to appear. Some of them are pretty obnoxious, but you know the 1st Amendment usually protects political speech. Which political shirt is the district likely able to require a student to change?

Multiple Choice

Students are very upset about the quality of their school lunches. Several students decide to "do something" to address it.

Which of these actions would likely NOT be protected?

• Circulating a petition.

• Protesting on the sidewalk before school

• Addressing the school board

• Protesting in school during lunch

Poll

Could a teacher engage in any of the activities we just talked about?

• Yes. They could circulate a petition or wear a political t-shirt.

• Yes. They could address the school board about student lunch policies.

• Yes. They could help students to organize their protest against lunch policies.

• No. Teachers cannot engage in any of these practices.

Poll

During class, a student asks a question about a Presidential candidate. While the student clearly has an opinion about the candidate, some of the information the student is sharing is factually inaccurate. The subject matter is related to the topic being discussed in class. Which of these responses would be acceptable responses? (Choose as many as you like.)

• Tell the student that we don't talk about elections in school because it's controversial.

• Acknowledge the student's opinion without providing additional information.

• Invite other students to share information or opinions they have, without additional context.

• Provide additional context and factual information to the student; consider asking other students for their opinions.

• Provide additional context while sharing your opinion about who is right and wrong.

Poll

Two colleagues are having a conversation at lunch, during which they determine that some groups of students are always causing problems in school. Stereotypes are broadly used in the discussion. No specific student names are included. Is this speech protected?

• Yes

• No

• Maybe

Poll

A small group of teachers in the building decides to make a TikTok channel with silly stories about happenings at school. No student names are used. Is this likely to be protected speech?

• Yes

• No

• Maybe

Open Ended

In which situations should/would you consider looping admin into a classroom conversation?

Word Cloud

When considering teacher rights regarding free speech, what are some helpful words to remember?