Legal Question in Civil Rights Law in California

public school employees' freedom of speech

teachers, counselors and other personnel at my los angeles unified school district high school are being warned that political opinions (specifically, criticism of the bush administration and of current plans for war on iraq) are prohibited. i have not yet seen the education code to be cited, but i am told, for example, that while my ''peace'' symbol will be allowed, my ''impeach bush'' button will not. what is more, while i may wear a ''books not bombs'' button, i may not wear one that says ''no war on iraq''. teachers are also to be warned against expressing their opinion regarding such matters to students. in light of judge fortas'comments in tinker v. des moines, how far may our school district go in restricting our freedom of speech? thanks so much!--


Asked on 3/02/03, 1:36 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Sheldon G. Bardach Law Offices of Sheldon G. Bardach

Re: public school employees' freedom of speech

You certainly are free to express your political opinions . . . have they forgotten the Constitutionally guaranteed right of free speech. You cannot be coerced into keeping quiet.

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Answered on 3/04/03, 4:46 pm
Terry A. Nelson Nelson & Lawless

Re: public school employees' freedom of speech

freedom of speech, or freedom to indoctrinate students with your political views? They can restrict the latter.

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Answered on 3/04/03, 9:01 pm


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