May is an exciting time of year for high school graduates and their parents. But on occasion, this happy time has a few snags that have required a brave student to stand up for their rights and the ACLU to stand with them.
Often, students have been told that they cannot choose what is in their own graduation speeches.
In 2015, the ACLU received a complaint from a valedictorian who wanted to say that “coming out was the hardest thing I’ve had to do” in his speech.
A decade prior in 2005, a student was quoting her family priest; “if you think it is hot here today, think how hot it is in hell.”
In both of these instances, the student contacted the ACLU and we successfully negotiated with the schools.
Students: learn more about your free speech rights in schools.
We’ve also had complaints from students who were told they had to wear clothing that didn’t match their gender identity. Once again, a student stood up and we negotiated a victory.
Transgender & Gender Nonconforming Students: Know Your Rights!
Congrats to all of the Nebraskans graduating from high school this year!
2016 is the 50th anniversary of the ACLU of Nebraska. We will feature several memories from our five decades of defending freedom in the Cornhusker state here. Do you have a favorite memory? Share it with us!
