Student Rights and Advocacy
Student Rights
Students don’t leave their constitutional rights at the schoolhouse gate. In the landmark 1969 case Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School District, the United States Supreme Court affirmed that students have the right to free expression in school, as long as it does not substantially disrupt learning. This principle continues to shape how we understand student voice, civic participation, and the importance of protecting young people’s rights in educational spaces.
Students have the right to:
- Attend and observe public school board meetings
- Share their opinions respectfully on district matters
- Participate in public testimony
- Access information about district policies and decisions
Student voice is a valued part of the district’s decision-making process.
How to Participate in District Processes
Public Testimony (Step-by-Step)
- Find the upcoming board meeting date
- Sign up for public testimony before the deadline
- Prepare a short statement (usually 1–2 minutes)
- Speak during the public testimony portion of the meeting or submit written comments
Sign-ups for public testimony generally begin at 8 a.m. the Monday before each regular board meeting.
The public testimony list will generally be posted to the meeting agenda by close of business the Tuesday before the meeting (timelines are adjusted when meetings are held on days other than Wednesday). Sign-ups after 12 p.m. on the day of the meeting are only accepted in person at the meeting.
Learn more about public testimony and sign upAdvocacy Opportunities
Students can advocate by:
- Contacting Student Board Members
- Attending board meetings
- Joining student advisory groups
- Organizing or participating in student-led initiatives
- Sharing concerns through official district channels