NSBA has just released “Navigating Student Walkouts and Mass Protests,” a new checklist
on student protests that is a separate appendix to NSBA’s guide Coercion,
Conscience, and the First Amendment: A Legal Guide for Public Schools on
the Regulation of Student and Employee Speech. The checklist is designed to help public schools identify issues they need to consider as they prepare for planned student protests, including mass walkouts.
“In this new resource, we urge school leaders to consult with their school attorneys and their state association of school boards as they develop protocols for student expressive activities,” said NSBA staff attorney Sonja Trainor.
As mentioned, the new checklist is an addendum to the NSBA First Amendment guide discussed at the end of a previous
IASB Blog post about preparing for student protests.
In addition, the Council for Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) has compiled a step-by-step guide to support school districts to handle student walkouts in a positive way and use these efforts as teachable moments for the students, staff and surrounding community. It includes recommendations for guidance to school administrators and sample messaging guidance for school leaders.
Finally, there is also valuable insight contained in a March 1 Illinois State Board of Education
letter from State Superintendent Tony Smith.
