Teachers and administrators have a responsibility to provide a safe environment for students that is conducive to learning while respecting each student’s individual rights. Still, constitutional violations are far too common in public schools across the country.
That’s why the ACLU of Wyoming is teaming up with the Wyoming GSA Network to host a Know Your Rights for Students workshop at the Laramie County Library on Saturday.
“The Supreme Court ruled in 1969 that students do not shed their constitutional rights to freedom of speech or expression at the schoolhouse gate,” said Antonio Serrano, ACLU of Wyoming organizer. “So while the Constitution protects the rights of students at school, many school officials are unaware of students’ legal protections or simply ignore them. It’s important for students to know their rights so they can protect them.”
The all-inclusive and informational workshop will provide an overview of students’ rights to free speech in the Laramie County School District and how to exercise those rights. Public school dress codes, gender stereotypes, freedom of expression and censorship of viewpoints expressed on campus also will be discussed.
IF YOU GO
WHAT: Know Your Rights for Students Workshop
WHEN: 3:30 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14
WHERE: Laramie County Library Sunflower Room, 2200 Pioneer Ave., Cheyenne
SPONSORED BY: ACLU of Wyoming and the Wyoming GSA Network
FOR INFORMATION: Go to www.aclu-wy.org
More information about students’ rights can be found at: https://www.aclu.org/know-your-rights/students-rights.
About the ACLU of Wyoming
The American Civil Liberties Union of Wyoming is a non-partisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation and enhancement of civil liberties and civil rights. The ACLU of Wyoming is part of a three-state chapter that also includes North Dakota and South Dakota. The team in Wyoming is supported by staff in those states.
The ACLU believes freedoms of press, speech, assembly, and religion, and the rights to due process, equal protection and privacy, are fundamental to a free people. In addition, the ACLU seeks to advance constitutional protections for groups traditionally denied their rights, including people of color, women, and the LGBT communities. The ACLU of Wyoming carries out its work through selective litigation, lobbying at the state and local level, and through public education and awareness of what the Bill of Rights means for the people of Wyoming.
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