Are there Protests on Your College Campus? Know Your Rights as a Student
Published on Friday, May 10, 2024
College is supposed to be a transformative experience – a time for intellectual growth, personal development, and preparation for a successful career. But what happens when your college experience is disrupted by factors beyond your control? Unfortunately, many students today face a variety of challenges that can impede their ability to get the education they deserve.
This article specifically focuses on disruptions caused by protests on campus. While the right to free speech and assembly is a cornerstone of American democracy, it is important to remember that this right does not come at the expense of your educational experience. If protests on campus are significantly impacting your ability to learn, you may have legal recourse.
Common Disruptions Caused by Protests
Campus protests can take many forms, but some common disruptions include:
- Class cancellations or disruptions: Protests can lead to professors canceling classes or being unable to effectively teach due to noise or other distractions.
- Limited access to facilities: Buildings or facilities crucial for learning, such as libraries, computer labs, or research centers, may be inaccessible due to protests.
- Safety concerns: Protests that turn violent or disrupt public safety can create a hostile learning environment.
- Psychological impact: The stress and anxiety caused by ongoing protests can take a toll on a student's mental well-being, impacting their ability to focus on academics.
Your Rights as a Student
When disruptions caused by protests significantly hinder your ability to receive the education you paid for, you may have legal rights. Here are some key points to consider:
- Breach of Contract: Students have a contractual relationship with their universities. When a university fails to provide the educational services outlined in its course descriptions, student handbooks, or other official publications, it may be considered a breach of contract.
- Unfair Educational Environment: Universities have a responsibility to provide a fair and conducive learning environment for all students. If protests are creating a situation where students cannot effectively learn due to disruptions, this may violate that responsibility.
- Discrimination: In some situations, protests that target specific groups of students or faculty may create a discriminatory learning environment.
What You Can Do
If you feel your education is being disrupted by protests, here are some steps you can take:
- Document the disruptions: Keep a record of canceled classes, inaccessible facilities, or other disruptions caused by protests. Dates, times, and any relevant details should be documented.
- Explore student advocacy resources: Many universities have student advocacy offices that can provide guidance and support in addressing concerns related to your education.
- Consider legal action: You may need to consult with an attorney specializing in education law. They can advise you of your legal options and help you determine the best course of action.
Pattison, Sampson, Ginsberg & Griffin: Advocating for Your Educational Rights
At Pattison, Sampson, Ginsberg & Griffin, we understand the importance of a quality education. We are committed to protecting the rights of students and ensuring they receive the educational experience they deserve. If you are facing disruptions caused by protests on campus, we can help. Our experienced education law attorneys can advise you of your legal options and guide you through the process of seeking redress.
