Crisis, Controversy and Activism: Tips and Guidance for K-12 Schools

When national or international crises or controversies happen, young people want to be part of the conversation. Issues like gun violence, war in the Middle East, the refugee crisis, police-involved violence and race, elections, and immigration are some of the issues students care about. When the issue hits close to home by directly or indirectly impacting the school’s student population, young people may want to go beyond conversation and engage in advocacy or activism.  

School administrators often find themselves grappling with how to address the crisis within their school community. They will need to manage communication, the free expression of ideas, the First Amendment, hate speech, social media, harm felt by other members of the school community—navigating all of this while continuing to ensure a safe, inclusive and equitable place of learning.  

How can schools encourage students to become civically engaged, provide safety and protection for all students, and adhere to students’ First Amendment rights? Here are some suggestions for consideration. 

It is critical to get ahead of the issue and effectively communicate with the school community. 

• When a major national or global crisis or controversy takes place, consider whether the school wants to or should make a public statement. Think through what the statement should include (and not include) and where that statement is best placed (i.e., letter home, school newsletter, social media, community newspaper, school assembly, in person public announcement, etc.). 

• In order to create a nuanced yet clear communication about what happened and the school’s position, bring diverse members of the school community to discuss what to include. If there are strong opinions on different sides of the issue, think carefully about how to represent those different perspectives while remaining clear about what you want to convey. Together, come up with messaging language, timing and placement. Communication may differ depending on audience, but the messaging needs to be clear and consistent. Act quickly yet thoughtfully.

• If students decide to protest or engage in other forms of activism, especially on school campuses or within the school day, be mindful about how you will address the issue (see below), making sure to incorporate First Amendment protections and being sensitive to different student perspectives, while ensuring school and student safety. 

Students may want to get involved in local or national advocacy and activism. 

• Students’ civic engagement and their grappling with issues that matter to them are important elements of a healthy democracy. Engaging with important issues is also critical to young people’s ongoing learning about their community and society. Acknowledging and incorporating student voice and agency contribute to a more respectful, inclusive and engaging learning environment. Therefore, students in your school may wish to get involved in local or national activism about different issues. 

• Because public schools* are public institutions, First Amendment free speech principles apply to students here. Keep in mind that not all speech is protected by the First Amendment. For example, speech that constitutes a true threat, harassment or incitement is not protected by the First Amendment. For more information see this resource or check with your school district legal counsel.   

• There are a variety of ways for students to engage in activism. Protest, an activity that students often choose, is one form of activism, and there are many others. Examples include educating others about the issue, creating a public awareness campaign, reaching out to elected officials and raising funds.  

• If students walk out of school or engage in activity that violates school rules, make sure they understand that there may be consequences. In most states, students are required to attend school; therefore, disciplinary actions may be enforced for walking out. Encourage students to understand their rights and the potential consequences if they intend to participate in a walkout. Schools may typically discipline students for walking out of class. However, that discipline should not be harsher than what would happen if any student missed class or because the school disapproves of their position or message. 

• If students plan actions during the school day or organize within the school community, talk with the leaders or organizers about their actions. Discussing actions doesn’t mean you are sanctioning or endorsing them. But it opens to the door to a conversation, which will be helpful so you can provide advice about safety, respect, scheduling, messaging and other important considerations.

Protecting and supporting all students, regardless of identity or opinion, is the job of schools. 

• Schools must protect all students and ensure that the school environment is safe and inclusive for all. Your school may be diverse in terms of race, ethnicity or other ways. While one group of students may engage in advocacy or activism about a particular issue, they should be reminded not to attack or use harmful language to describe others, especially other groups of students represented in the school community. This doesn’t mean those students and staff don’t have the right to engage in activism, but students should be aware of and sensitive to how their actions may impact the school community as a whole. 

• If you think the students’ activism, particularly their language/messaging, posters, slogans and social media posts, could harm other members of your school community, be clear that their activism language, tone and content should not harm or attack others. Strongly encourage those students to be mindful of others, while allowing them to exercise their First Amendment rights. 

• Talk with all students about intent vs. impact. Students have every right to engage in protest and activism on issues they care about. As a member of the school community, they should be aware that while it may be unintended, they could cause harm to other members of the school community, including their friends, peers and acquaintances. 

• Communicate with students and families that amid controversial issues and crises, often bias, hate and misinformation become rampant. It’s more important than ever to remind students not to become susceptible to online hate, bias and harassment—often fueled by misinformation and strong emotions. Remind students that scapegoating or stereotyping others is not helpful and will cause harm. Find ways to integrate the teaching of media literacy, misinformation and propaganda into the curriculum.  

There are a variety of ways that schools can proactively address controversial issues and current events. 

• Consider holding a school forum for the whole school community (staff, students, families, administrators) to engage in learning about the issue. Be sure that different identity groups and perspectives are represented. Timing is important. It may be preferable to wait a few weeks rather than address the topic in the wake of the crisis.  

• Teach students about the First Amendment and in particular, freedom of speech. Help young people learn more about and critically analyze the freedoms afforded by as well as the limitations of the First Amendment.  

• Communicate with students about bias, hate and misinformation that spreads online and on social media, especially in the midst of a community, national or global crisis or current event. As a school, think through how to help students understand the difference between accurate information and misinformation or propaganda.

• As a community and in classrooms, provide skill building and practice in civil discourse and dialogue, especially in situations where there are strong feelings, opinions and perspectives on a topic.  

* Private Schools: Because the Constitution’s prohibition against curtailing free speech only applies to government entities and officials, private schools (grades K-12) are not directly bound by the First Amendment. (There are exceptions, like in the state of California, where a statute applies the First Amendment to private high schools as well, or Rhode Island, where a law protects private school student journalists and their work at all educational levels). Because the First Amendment typically does not apply, private schools have much more leeway to limit speech. Students should review their school’s student handbook including any policies about speech and student conduct. These materials should provide guidance about how freedom of expression will be treated in K-12 schools.