I hope we can all agree that even if we disagreed with the students who protested at their schools over the past couple of weeks, they have a right to free speech. There is no argument that students may express their views. However, when that expression takes place during the school day and on school grounds, there can be unintended consequences.
The backlash against public schools and teachers followed social media posts showing students walking out in protest in several New Hampshire districts. Many of the public comments took direct aim at teachers and schools, accusing them of indoctrinating students with political beliefs. As a parental rights advocate, I was contacted by parents in Portsmouth who were particularly concerned that what appeared to be a blanket protest was directed at all law enforcement—including members of their own families who serve in those roles.
I do not know what these students personally believe, but I do know that many members of the public responded by blaming public schools and teachers.
Were schools and teachers partially responsible? I don’t know the answer to that. What is clear is that they are receiving some of the blame regardless. Some commenters went further, advocating for voting against school budget increases and pulling students out of public schools altogether. Many people are increasingly fed up with the politicization of public institutions. They want public schools to remain unbiased and politically neutral, especially given that they are funded by taxpayer dollars.
With declining enrollment already an issue in New Hampshire, incidents like this only provide more incentive for families to consider private or charter schools.
Had these same students chosen to voice their opinions after school hours—when it was clear that staff were not involved—and had their message been more clearly targeted at a specific injustice, this level of backlash toward schools and teachers likely would not have occurred.
These students did not help their public schools or teachers; they hurt them.
Free speech is a right we all share. But using it wisely may earn broader support. Using it carelessly will not.
