10 Ways Youth Can Engage in Activism. Our country has a long history of youth-led movements that brought about significant social change.
Young people have advocated for child labor laws, voting rights, civil rights, school desegregation, immigration reform and LGBTQ rights. Through their actions, the world has changed. Because young people often have the desire, energy and idealism to do something about the injustice they see in the world, they are powerful agents for change. Our work in education helps students examine implicit and overt forms of bias and discrimination and as a result, educators often feel a responsibility to provide students with the structure, opportunity and tools to do something about the injustice they see in the world. Transforming students’ feelings of anger, sadness and hopelessness into concrete actions that can make the world more equitable is a vital teaching opportunity.
Below are ideas for bringing social activism into the classroom and outside of the school walls. 1. 2. 3. Organizing a Protest, Walkout or Boycott - NYRA. Sometimes protests are unpredictable, but you should have a plan for how to deal with the police if they show up.
Have proof of your permit, if you have one. Make sure you know your rights as a protester and are familiar with how to deal with police in case you get stopped by an officer. Missing Classes If your protest involves missing class, you may be punished for having an unexcused absence. However, that punishment should not be any worse than if you missed class for another reason. Make sure you’ve checked your school’s policies on the punishments for unauthorized absences as well as their guidelines for suspensions. Disrupting Classes Schools could also punish you for disrupting other students’ right to an education. Unfortunately, the Supreme Court has ruled on multiple occasions that students’ First Amendment rights do not apply when students are found guilty of disruption. Office of the Secretary and Vice President for University Life.
How can you participate in a peaceful demonstration or counter-demonstration while guarding your safety and health?
A little planning can go a long way, below are some tips to guide you through your planning. Buddy Up You should always bring a partner to a demonstration as your first step for safety. NPR Choice page. Self-Care Tips for Student Activists, Advocates, and Allies. Take care of your body Drink plenty of water, nourish yourself, and aim for enough sleep to feel re-energized (recommended 7-9 hours).
Eating balanced meals, having healthy snacks, staying hydrated, and prioritizing rest will help contribute to your overall wellbeing. In addition, movement and exercise can relieve stress, improve memory, help one sleep better, and boost overall mood. Find movement that works best for you. When under so much pressure, it is important to move your body and allow that pressure to escape. Set clear and unmoving boundaries Saying “no” is essential. Be self-aware of triggering sources and the impact of social media. Can Schools Discipline Students for Protesting? Students around the country are turning the heartbreaking school shooting in Parkland, Florida, into an inspiring and exemplary push for legislative change.
In the last few days, many people have asked whether schools can discipline students for speaking out. The short answer? Student Rights at School: Six Things You Need To Know. While the Constitution protects the rights of students at school, many school officials are unaware of students’ legal protections, or simply ignore them.
When heading back to school this year, make sure to know your rights and ensure that your school treats every student fairly and equally. The ACLU has a long tradition of fighting to protect students’ rights, and is always ready to speak with you on a confidential basis. If you believe that your rights have been violated, don’t hesitate to contact your local ACLU affiliate. Here are six things you need to know about your rights at school: 1.
In the landmark Supreme Court case Tinker v. The First Amendment ensures that students cannot be punished for exercising free speech rights, even if school administrators don’t approve of what they are saying. Over the years, the ACLU has successfully defended the right of students to wear an anti-abortion armband, a pro-LGBT t-shirt, and shirts critical of political figures. 2. Know Your Rights. Students’ Rights: Speech, Walkouts, and Other Protests. Yes.
You do not lose your right to free speech just by walking into school. You have the right to speak out, hand out flyers and petitions, and wear expressive clothing in school — as long as you don’t disrupt the functioning of the school or violate the school’s content-neutral policies. What counts as “disruptive” will vary by context, but a school disagreeing with your position or thinking your speech is controversial or in “bad taste” is not enough to qualify. Courts have upheld students’ rights to wear things like an anti-war armband, an armband opposing the right to get an abortion, and a shirt supporting the LGBT community. And “content-neutral policies” means rules that have nothing to do with the message you’re expressing, like dress codes. Student Protest Rights.