LWVS Implores BOE to Turn Down Proposed Guidelines that Limit Free Expression in the Schools

In the wake of a few events at Scarsdale Middle School and Scarsdale High School, where students made political statements or demonstrated their beliefs in their selection of what they wore, the Scarsdale School District issued new proposed guidelines for student expression at school sponsored activities.

In short, the guidelines would limit freedom of expression at school sponsored activities. The proposal says, “…school-sponsored activities are not intended to serve as platforms for political advocacy or messaging. Unauthorized speech, clothing or symbols that promote political positions, causes, or viewpoints that may reasonably be expected to create disruption, division, or controversy within the school community may not be permitted at these events.”

Intended to address the kinds of expression that some found troubling, these new guidelines may be equally as troubling to those who value free speech and expression in the schools.

Some have expressed concern about the potential interpretation of the new guidelines: i.e. what constitutes a school sponsored event? And how can one define the word “reasonably” in the ban on attire “that promote political positions, causes, or viewpoints that may reasonably be expected to create disruption, division, or controversy within the school community may not be permitted at these events.” Furthermore, the new guidelines could be difficult to enforce equitably as they leave much of the authority to the teacher, coach or staff member supervising the students at the time. And perhaps paramount is the potential to impede the expression of ideas that one student or another might find uncomfortable.

Addressing these concerns, the League of Women Voters of Scarsdale sent the following letter to the Board of Education and the Scarsdale School District. The proposed guidelines are expected to be discussed at the meeting of the Scarsdale School Board on Monday night June 8 at 6:30 pm.

Here is the letter from the League:

June 5, 2026

Dear Members of the Scarsdale Board of Education and the Scarsdale School District Administration:

The Board of the League of Women Voters of Scarsdale (LWVS) believes the proposed Guidelines for Student Expression are unnecessary and problematic. We urge the Scarsdale School District Administration to withdraw the proposed guidelines. The existing Scarsdale School District Code of Conduct for students along with established policies and procedures sufficiently address disruption, harassment, bullying, threats, and other conduct that may interfere with the educational environment without the need for additional restrictions on student expression.

The League of Women Voters has a long-standing commitment to the principles of free expression, informed civic participation, and the open exchange of ideas. To that end, the LWVS Board implores the District to abandon plans for implementing the proposed guidelines and to foster a school environment where students may learn to think critically, engage respectfully with differing viewpoints, and negotiate exposure to what may be unpopular, unwelcome, or controversial beliefs.

Sincerely,
Beth Cukier

Here are the new proposed guidelines:

Guidelines for Student Expression at School-Sponsored Activities

The purpose of these guidelines is to help ensure that school-sponsored activities remain focused on students, learning, and community, and are free from disruption or controversy. While we respect students’ rights to express themselves, school-sponsored events are not a forum for messaging that may distract from or detract from the shared experience. These expectations are grounded in the District’s Dress Code as outlined in Board of Education Policy 5300, specifically within Regulation 5.

Guiding Principle

Our goal is to maintain school-sponsored activities as inclusive, respectful experiences that celebrate students and their work while minimizing distractions or issues that may detract from the experience for others.

Alignment with District Dress Code

As stated in District policy, responsibility for dress and general appearance rests with students and parents; however, student attire must meet standards related to health, safety, and maintaining a positive and inclusive environment. This includes ensuring that attire does not:

Advocate illegal or violent activities

Interfere with learning or the purpose of the activity

Students may not wear attire or engage in speech that is obscene or libelous, or that denigrates others based on race, color, weight, religion, national origin, ethnic group, religious practice, gender (identity or expression), sex, sexual orientation, or disability. Attire or speech may also not promote, endorse or encourage alcohol, tobacco, or controlled substances.

Political Advocacy and Messaging

While students have the right to personal expression, school-sponsored activities are not intended to serve as platforms for political advocacy or messaging. Unauthorized speech, clothing or symbols that promote political positions, causes, or viewpoints that may reasonably be expected to create disruption, division, or controversy within the school community may not be permitted at these events.

Application to School-Sponsored Activities

These expectations apply to all school-sponsored events, whether they occur during or outside of the regular school day. This includes, but is not limited to, performances, sporting events, club events, graduation, prom, etc. In addition:

Students must follow any activity-specific expectations set by advisors, coaches, or staff (e.g., performance attire, athletic uniforms, safety gear, deviations from approved scripts or speeches).

Footwear and any required protective equipment must be worn when appropriate.

Adults responsible for supervising school-sponsored activities have the authority to set and communicate reasonable expectations for student expression that may not be explicitly outlined in the dress code or other printed guidelines, based on the nature and purpose of the activity.

Enforcement

In accordance with District policy, a student may be required to remove, cover, or replace attire that does not meet these expectations. Student speakers or performers may be required to withdraw from participation in activities when speech does not meet these expectations. Refusal to comply with these guidelines may result in removal from the activity and/or progressive discipline, up to and including suspension.