The First Amendment protects freedom of speech. People can share their ideas and opinions freely. The government cannot punish them just for disagreeing. Free speech can include speaking, writing, and actions that send a message.
Students also have free speech rights at public schools. However, these rights have limits. Schools can make some rules about student speech. The Supreme Court has made rulings in cases that explain when student speech is protected.
Free speech can include:
sharing your opinion, even if other people disagree with it
writing or speaking about something you think is unfair
peacefully expressing your ideas about political issues
wearing clothing or symbols that peacefully express an idea or opinion
choosing not to say something or take part in an activity that expresses a belief
Schools may limit some speech:
Speech that disrupts learning or school activities.
Some messages in a school newspaper or other school activity.
certain inappropriate speech at a school event
speech that encourages students to break the law
Sometimes it is difficult to decide whether speech is protected. For example, the Supreme Court ruled that students can wear black armbands to school. This lets them peacefully protest a war. In another case, the Court ruled that schools can control some articles published in a school-sponsored newspaper.
The rules can depend on the situation. That's why courts sometimes decide if a person's freedom of speech is protected.