First Amendment Speech Issues

An effective school policy needs to consider individual first amendment freedom of expression rights while promoting an educational atmosphere that reflects the school's values and objectives. By policy, threats of violence, profanity and other offensive forms of speech may not be tolerated. However, defining what speech constitutes a threat can be complicated. Speaking out in class during a class discussion may be encouraged, for instance, unless the utterance is disrespectful or threatening. The same questions may apply to the formation of non-curriculum based student clubs, school papers, Internet sites, off campus speech and electronic speech.

Free speech and freedom of expression also govern artistic and symbolic expression. Doster Guin attorneys have successfully helped several school districts review or draft policies to encompass all forms of expression, determine appropriate disciplinary techniques, and defend policies when challenged.

Related freedom of expression issues include:

• Dress codes and uniforms
• In school and off campus speech
• Book and media censorship
• Internet speech, email, text and electronic messages
• Yearbooks and school newspapers
• Student clubs

Additional resources and information about Freedom of Speech issues:

Educator Resources

FAQ’s

Contact an Education Lawyer about Freedom of Expression and Free Speech Issues

If your school would like to discuss freedom of expression issues with an attorney, please contact us online, call our Chesterfield, Missouri office at 636.532.0042, our Collinsville, Illinois office at 618.301.4060 or our Kansas City office at 816.531.1888. Our lawyers are available to assist you. We serve clients throughout Missouri, Illinois and Kansas.

This Web site is designed to provide general information about our legal services. If you would like to speak with one of our attorneys, or have any other question about our practice, please e-mail us or call our St. Louis/Chesterfield office 636.532.0042, our Kansas City, Missouri, office 816.531.1888, or our Collinsville, Illinois office 618.301.4060 to arrange a consultation with an attorney with the appropriate experience.