Schools

Every child deserves to learn and grow in a safe, healthy, and supportive environment. The ACLU of Northern California advocates for educational equity and fights for restorative alternatives to punitive policies that push Black and Indigenous students into the criminal legal system.

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Student Rights

In California, public school students have rights to protect their ability to access their education.

These rights can protect you in different ways, from keeping you safe against bullying to ensuring you have access to resources at school if you and your family become unhoused. Visit the ACLU's My School My Rights website to learn more about these rights and what you can do to protect your rights if your school violates them.

My School My Rights
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Racial Equity and Student Expression in Schools

Students have organized and led a remarkable number of movements for social change.

Learn about the history of student activism and student-led movements in the U.S., how schools may try to unconstitutionally limit your speech, the disparate impacts on Black students, and how to successfully challenge violations of your free speech rights, on and off-campus.

Learn More
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The Latest

News & Commentary
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Stopping the Flood Waters: Native Student Stories of Survivance & Resistance

"Stopping the Flood Waters: A Call to Transform California's Schools in Support of Native American Students" documents how California schools consistently fail to provide Native American students with an equitable and inclusive education. Here, two students share their educational experiences in their own words.
News & Commentary
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Challenge, Resist, and Defend

Know Your Rights
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Know Your Rights: Student Rights

As a public school student in California, you have rights at your school. Explore your rights as students, so you can advocate for yourself and your communities.
News & Commentary
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Forging Ahead with Clear Eyes and Strong Resolve

Campaign
May 2024

Protecting the Rights of Trans and Nonbinary Youth in California

Campaign
May 2024

Protecting the Rights of Trans and Nonbinary Youth in California