What are my rights in this situation?

[lightningandsnow]

I'm president of the gay-straight alliance/social justice club (I'm thinking of renaming it to that) at my high school.

We're booking guest speakers for next school year, and one of them is speaking about a topic that is quite controversial. (I'm not saying what it is - I'm not in the mood for flame-warring at the moment). I feel that I might face a lot of friction from the school administration because of the topic. What are my rights here, in terms of free speech and the like? Better yet, how could I frame it so they don't say no?

[Midlodemocrat]

1. Honestly, I don't think you have any.

It's almost always the Principal's call. School Law is not the same as Community Law.

[lightningandsnow]

4. Yeah...that's what I thought.

But... you never know.

I'm really stubborn, though.

[taterguy]

2. You're a student. You have no rights

What are they teaching kids these days?

:shrug:

[Midlodemocrat]

3. Uppity teens. GET OFF MY LAWN!!!!!

[KamaAina]

5. This is essentially true -- here in the States

but AspieGrrl is posting from the often more civilised country of Canada. Things might be different there.

[Midlodemocrat]

6. OOh, good point. I didn't think to check the profile.

[lightningandsnow]

7. Ha ha. Probably (at least partially) true.

Although, I live in Canada, so maybe they're less facistic?

[taterguy]

9. But probably too smart to be manipulated

Here in the States I was able to get a Toga Day approved for High School spirit week, just because the principal had never seen Animal House.

[TrogL]

8. Make them look good

Rather than confronting them, frame the discussion that you would be making them look progressive and forward-looking (good Canadian values).

Unless you're inviting Robert Maplethorpe. (sp?)

[taterguy]

10. Maplethorpe's been dead for quiite a while

I don't know what they did with his remains though.

[khashka]

11. I'm with Midlo on this one

You don't have any or at least not many. What you are doing is cool, but it's the principal's call. You can stand fast and fight, but you probably won't win.

PM me and tell me the topic - I promise no flames.


Khash.

[lightningandsnow]

12. check your PM.

:)

[elleng]

13. Check what their rules are for clubs,

find out whether/if they've enforced them and HOW.

You may demand that they enforce for/against your club in the same way.

[trof]

14. You have the right to remain silent.

You have the right to say nothing.
You have the right to remain mute.
(Not to be confused with 'moot', which is a Whole Nuther Thang.)
You have the right to keep your lip zipped.
You have the right to utter no discernible sound.
(Not to be confused with 'udder', which is also a WNT.)

Unless you are 'put into a stressful position' or 'waterboarded', in which case you will still have the same rights enumerated above but will probably (wisely) choose not to exercise said 'rights' if you value your life.

You will then spill your guts and even make stuff up.
Welcome to the U.S. of A.
:-(