Pennsylvania students have a First Amendment right to protest immigration enforcement policies at school, but districts may still discipline students for unexcused walkouts if punishments are applied equally and not based on political views, according to legal experts interviewed by Spotlight PA.
The debate has intensified after student-led ICE protests across the state prompted varying responses from school districts, with some allowing demonstrations to proceed peacefully while others cited safety concerns to cancel or restrict walkouts.
Civil liberties advocates said schools may limit protests only if they create a substantial disruption to school operations.
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