Students' Rights

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In America, students do not lose their constitutional rights “at the schoolhouse gate.” Unfortunately, however, schools continue to demonstrate a disturbing willingness to abridge students’ rights. The ACLU fights to protect students’ right to free speech rights and privacy—both in and out of school—to ensure that schools provide students with quality education and training in our democratic system and values.

The Latest

News & Commentary
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From the Courts to the Classroom: A back-to-school toolkit

With this toolkit, the ACLU seeks to provide greater clarity in the context of a shifting federal policy landscape ahead of the 2025-2026 academic year.
News & Commentary
I believe the world is a more beautiful and peaceful place when we listen to each other and allow different perspectives to be in the room." Rumeysa Ozturk, Ph.D. student wrongfully detained for writing and op-ed

Writing an op-ed is not grounds for deportation

The U.S. government’s escalating attacks on noncitizens’ right to free speech should scare us all.
News & Commentary
in defense of free speech on campus

Student Protests & Free Speech

We urged VT colleges and universities to respond to student protests in ways that further free speech and academic inquiry.
Resource
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A letter to higher ed leadership in Vermont

Court Case
Mar 20, 2024

C.B. v. Twin Valley Middle High School

School administrators took no meaningful action to address ongoing racist bullying.