On Tuesday, March 10, NJSBA’s podcast, Education Matters, discussed student protests.
From the Vietnam War to current debates over school safety and immigration policy, students have long sought to express their views on public issues. Such expression is protected by the First Amendment, but schools may impose reasonable limits to maintain order, safety, and the rights of others. This creates a careful legal balance. Districts must respect student speech while preventing substantial disruption and addressing supervision and liability concerns. Administrators are often required to respond quickly to walkouts and demonstrations under public scrutiny. In this podcast, NJSBA’s Ray Pinney speaks with Marc Zitomer, Esq., a partner at Schenk, Price, Smith, and King LLC, about the legal framework governing student protests. The discussion highlights key First Amendment principles, how to distinguish protected expression from conduct that may be regulated, and best practices for drafting clear, legally compliant policies that support student voice while preserving the orderly operation of schools.
To watch the latest episode, please click the video below:
