Over the centuries, college students have played a critical role in upholding our First Amendment rights to free speech, assembly and petition. They understood that a healthy democracy depended on citizens holding those in power accountable. Today, you have the opportunity to continue that long tradition of student protest by bringing attention to issues that you believe are important.
But if you are going to be part of any demonstration or encampment, it is crucial that you know how your school will handle the issue of absenteeism and that you understand what protections you have for your actions. For example, a public university may require that certain groups of students get a permit to use a space on campus, as long as the university can demonstrate that it will not disrupt classes and does not discriminate between members of different organizations based on their views.
It is also important to clearly articulate your goals, so that your fellow students and the media don’t misrepresent what you are trying to accomplish. And while it is true that changing government policy usually takes a very long time, students can often push for changes at the local level or even at their colleges and universities, such as addressing policies on war-making, policing and ethical investments free of militarism and apartheid.
The one area where schools are permitted to limit student protest is in the use of loud amplification near buildings during times when classes are being held. But that rule must be applied fairly. It cannot, for instance, bar students from using a megaphone at a College Republicans event but allow it at a Democrat event. And it should not prevent students from filming their actions, so long as they don’t interfere with law enforcement officers doing their job.
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