Students' Rights

In its landmark 1969 ruling in Tinker v. Des Moines, the Supreme Court found that students do not "shed their constitutional rights to freedom of speech or expression at the schoolhouse gate."

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In its landmark 1969 ruling in Tinker v. Des Moines, the Supreme Court found that students do not "shed their constitutional rights to freedom of speech or expression at the schoolhouse gate." The ACLU argued the case on behalf of Mary Beth Tinker, defending her right to wear a black armband at school to protest the Vietnam War. We continue to fight for students' constitutional right to free speech.

The Latest


News & Commentary
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Your Questions Answered: What You Need to Know About the BPJ and Hecox Supreme Court Decision

The Supreme Court recently ruled to uphold laws in Idaho and West Virginia banning transgender women and girls from school sports. Learn how the decision impacts transgender people, families, and educators.
News & Commentary
The Ten Commandments displayed on the wall.

A Win for Religious Freedom: Why the Court Blocked Arkansas’s Ten Commandments Law

A federal court blocked Arkansas’s Ten Commandments law, affirming students’ religious freedom and limits on government in schools.
Press Release
The Ten Commandments displayed on the wall.

Court Permanently Blocks Arkansas Law Requiring Ten Commandments in Every Public School Classroom and Library

Press Release
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ACLU of Arkansas Statement on School Clubs Announcement by Governor Sanders

Issue Areas: Students' Rights