Hazelwood School District’s decision to retaliate against its students for their peaceful expressive activity is unacceptable and violates their First Amendment and due process rights.
We are concerned with the district’s lack of transparency and failure to publicly explain its decision – especially after students in the past were not punished for exercising their freedom of speech on matters that did not involve school board decisions.
The ACLU of Missouri has contacted the district in hopes the administration will do the right thing and allow the seniors to participate in graduation ceremonies, fulfill their academic obligations and not potentially lose their hard-earned scholarships because of the district’s decision. We are actively preparing legal options if the district continues to jeopardize the students’ futures.
- Jeffrey Mittman, Executive Director, ACLU of Missouri