Full question:
Can a principal tell a teacher that she/he cannot speak to school board directors without his permission outside of school hours? I am being 'reprimanded' for speaking to school board members on my own time. There is no written policy on this. Also, I am a member of a political organization that meets monthly and I see and have neighbors who ask me questions/complaints to in return ask the school board of directors.
- Category: Employment
- Date:
- State: National
Answer:
I am prohibited from providing a legal opinion. The answer will depend on all the facts and circumstances involved. Teachers generally enjoy rights to freedom of expression, though there are some restrictions. Teachers may not materially disrupt the educational interest of the school district, nor may teachers undermine authority or adversely affect working relationships at the school. Generally, teachers at a private school have less protection for freedom of
expression than teachers at a public school.
Teachers do not give up the right to comment publicly on matters of public importance simply because they accept a public school teaching position. Teachers cannot be fired or disciplined for statements about matters of public importance unless it can be shown that the teacher’s speech created a substantial adverse impact on school functioning. School administrators cannot impose overbroad or viewpoint-based rules that restrict how teachers speak with other school members unless it can be clearly shown that the speech would be harmful to workplace functioning.
This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.
