The upcoming school year is bound to see more political protests from motivated college students looking to have their voices heard. Protests should rarely be comfortable, and those in charge of colleges often are at odds with student protestors. When tensions are high, mistakes can happen, and we will likely see schools seeking disciplinary sanctions in the near future.

The right to protest is one of the most essential parts of being an American. Colleges cannot punish students simply due to disagreements with what they say, and the Lento Law Firm can assist whenever you face pushback from campus officials. Contact us through our website or call today at 888-535-3686 to learn how we can assist in your disciplinary defense.

Don't Just Vaguely Know Your Rights; Understand Them

Political protests rarely receive a full endorsement from university officials, but that doesn't mean they can shut down demonstrations. In nearly all cases, the right to free speech trumps all. The only way for your school to shut you down is if you engage in certain conduct beyond freedom of expression. For instance, impeding campus operations or threatening others on campus is unlikely to be protected.

Each state and school is different, and you should always have a crystal-clear understanding of your local laws and campus rules before going to political demonstrations. Even if you don't break the law, your school may have specific restrictions on how you can protest on campus. If officials attempt to shut you down, being able to tell them your justification for protesting may give them pause to act.

Prepare for Potential Interactions With Campus Security

In a similar vein, prepare for how you will interact with campus security, as large-scale protests always trigger a response. Avoid giving those in charge any reason to shut down your protest, such as getting coaxed into fights or arguments. If you are lawfully protesting, you are not obligated to answer questions or justify your behavior beyond what is necessary.

If campus security attempts to forcefully shut down the protest, don't escalate the situation by resisting or getting physical. When possible, document interactions using your phone and provide them to your attorneys. Defense attorneys can use evidence in disciplinary hearings to clear your name, especially if your only offense was lawfully protesting in a way school officials didn't like.

Have a Plan for Legal Assistance

Despite best efforts to comply with laws and policies, there is always a risk of facing disciplinary action or legal trouble during a protest. We recommend never speaking to security or police unless you have an attorney present. The faster you obtain legal representation, the faster you can put this whole issue behind you.

If you intend to protest on a specific date, reaching out to defense attorneys beforehand to establish a clear line of communication can prevent delays in defending from suspension or expulsion risks. In the first half of 2024, we have already seen numerous examples of protestors who were kicked from school or had their diplomas revoked. When so much is at stake, you should never attempt to defend against disciplinary risks alone.

Defending the Rights of Protestors on College Campuses

The right to free speech and free expression, particularly as young people make their voices heard, is vital for our country to thrive. At the Lento Law Firm, we take great pride in defending students and are eager to work with you if your school threatens your academic future due to First Amendment-protected behavior.

No one should face punishment or disciplinary action just because they decide to protest. If your future is in jeopardy, call the Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team today at 888-535-3686 or contact us through our website.