Throughout American history, students have played an important role in upholding First Amendment freedoms of speech, assembly and petition. Student protest helps us understand the roots of democracy and is a vital part of the American experience. As you embark on your college careers, we encourage you to engage with this rich tradition of student protest.
When planning your protests, remember that you can be legally protected by the First Amendment only if it is peaceful and if university officials do not limit your speech unreasonably. You should always read your school’s policy on protests before you plan a gathering, and ensure that the policy is content-neutral and does not discriminate between different viewpoints. You can also be subject to what are called “time, place and manner” restrictions in your school’s policy, but these must be reasonable. It is not a good idea to plan a loud protest in the middle of class hours when people are coming and going.
Another way to show your opposition is by occupying buildings at your school. For example, in 2014 and 2015 students at several schools occupied their campuses to fight for their rights as workers (along with the rights of others who keep their school functioning). They organized community meetings, food, press, safety and cleaning committees. They also went door to door in the surrounding neighborhood to explain their cause and ask for food donations, while limiting access to the building to teachers, parents, media, local officials, police and students who were allowed inside during the occupation.