united-states new-york-state freedom-of-speech school
Student wearing political shirts in school?
<p>Let's say a student wore a shirt in a New York school that said &quot;I✡️JQ&quot;, and the school principal ordered him to stop wearing it because it was offensive and he complied. But later came back with a shirt that said &quot;Made in the USA With technology engineered in Europe&quot; and refused to stop wearing it and was suspended, can get an injunction against the school to protect his freedom of expression?</p>

<p>Option 1 is that this is a private school. The school can establish whatever rules they want. There might be a cause of action for breach of contract, but more likely there is some clause saying &quot;You have to do what the principal tells you&quot;. Private organizations are allowed to completely suppress you freedom of expression. Option 2 is that this is a public school, in which case they are bound by the First Amendment (which is a limit on government action). Such a prohibition is legally untenable, but you may have to go to court to get an official ruling on the matter. If speech is objectively disruptive, it can be limited, but your examples are not objectively offensive or disruptive, they are simply somewhat provocative. <a href="https://www.aclu.org/blog/womens-rights/womens-rights-education/5-things-public-schools-can-and-cant-do-when-it-comes" rel="nofollow noreferrer">Here is a summary</a> from the ACLU of what public schools can't do w.r.t. student appearance.</p>
