Student Protest & Free Speech Defense Attorney — New Jersey Education Law Firm

When students speak out — whether through walkouts, protests, posts, or petitions — schools often respond with discipline instead of dialogue. What starts as a peaceful expression of opinion can quickly escalate into suspension, investigation, or threats to graduation and scholarships.

At Ratliff Jackson LLP, we defend New Jersey students who face consequences for exercising their rights to free speech, expression, and protest — both on campus and online. From K–12 walkouts to university demonstrations, we help students stand up for their beliefs without getting silenced, expelled, or penalized.

In many cases, we also represent students outside New Jersey, especially in high-profile or emergency disciplinary cases tied to protest, activism, or protected speech.

We Defend Students Facing Discipline For:

• Participating in walkouts or sit-ins
• Organizing or promoting demonstrations on campus or online
• Protesting school policies, staff behavior, or institutional decisions
• Posting politically or socially charged content on social media
• Refusing to stand for the Pledge or national anthem
• Creating or sharing critical content (e.g., flyers, videos, memes)
• Speaking at school board meetings or publishing op-eds
• Protest-related arrests or parallel criminal investigations

Whether your protest is about racial justice, LGBTQ+ rights, Palestine, school safety, book bans, or tuition hikes — we protect your right to speak without fear of school retaliation.

K–12 Students: Know Your Rights

Public school students do not shed their constitutional rights at the schoolhouse gate. In Tinker v. Des Moines, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that students have the right to engage in peaceful protest — so long as it does not substantially disrupt the educational environment.

Still, many NJ school districts:

• Suspend students for nonviolent walkouts
• Ban protest signs, stickers, or armbands
• Discipline students who speak out on social or political issues
• Punish social media posts made off-campus and off-hours
• Label activism as “disrespect,” “defiance,” or “bullying”

We push back on vague or selectively enforced codes of conduct — and fight to reverse suspensions, clean up records, and protect graduation status.

College Students: Targeted for Speech More Than Ever

Colleges and universities are increasingly disciplining students over:

• Political demonstrations or controversial speakers
• Activism around Israel–Palestine, BLM, or climate protests
• Free speech clashes in student government or Greek life
• Petitions, protests, or anonymous campaigns against staff
• Speech deemed “harassing” or “offensive” under vague rules

Public universities must follow First Amendment protections — and even private schools must honor contractual free speech promises. We hold institutions accountable when they silence students without due process.

Our Legal Services Include:

• Reviewing and challenging code of conduct violations
• Drafting responses and preparing students for disciplinary hearings
• Demanding removal of suspensions or protest-related sanctions
• Litigating civil rights violations (First Amendment / 1983 claims)
• Advising student orgs, leaders, and parents in urgent situations
• Coordinating with criminal defense counsel if arrests are involved

We fight not just to protect your enrollment — but your record, reputation, and right to speak.

Don’t Let Your Voice Cost You Your Future

School administrators often overreact to protest or speech — especially when it’s public, uncomfortable, or challenges authority. But the law is clear: students have rights.

Whether you’ve been suspended, placed under investigation, or warned to “stay quiet,” it’s time to act.

Call Ratliff Jackson LLP at 856-209-3111 or contact us confidentially. We defend student protest rights in Cherry Hill, Camden, Trenton, and across New Jersey.

Frequently Asked Questions About Student Protest Discipline

Can I be suspended for walking out of school?

Not automatically. Public school students have First Amendment rights — but if a walkout disrupts class time, the school can impose reasonable discipline. That discipline must still follow due process and cannot be excessive.

What if I posted about a protest online and now I’m under investigation?

You still have rights. Schools may monitor social media, but off-campus posts are generally protected, especially in public schools and universities. We challenge overreach and help you respond.

Do private schools have to honor free speech?

Not constitutionally — but if your school promised free expression in its handbook or code, we may be able to hold them to it under contract law or state protections.

I was arrested at a protest. Will that affect my enrollment?

Possibly — especially in college. Schools may open a conduct case, even if charges are dropped. We coordinate with criminal defense attorneys to protect your record and enrollment.

Can a suspension over a protest go on my permanent record?

Yes — and that can impact college admissions, scholarships, or job applications. We work to appeal, expunge, or resolve cases to minimize lasting harm.