The Supreme Court has recognized students' right to free expression in public schools under the free speech clause of the First Amendment. However, this right is not absolute. Des Moines Independent Community School Dist.
Students have a limited right to distribute religious material inside public schools.
Student religious expression may be limited if it substantially interferes with or disrupts the school's activities or if it involves coercive proselytizing. Moreover, in order to avoid violating the establishment clause, it is essential that the school neither sponsor nor appear to sponsor the distribution of religious material by students. Sample Scenarios 1. It is essential that the school neither sponsor nor appear to sponsor the distribution of religious material by students. To this end, the school may require a statement on all religious material disclaiming school endorsement.