LAWRENCE, KANSAS — High school students in Kansas are raising concerns about a proposed state Senate measure that could restrict student protests during the school day and require parental permission before participating in demonstrations.
The provision was added to the Kansas Senate version of the state budget and would require public school students to obtain parental approval before joining protests. It would also impose financial penalties on school districts if staff are found to have encouraged or facilitated student walkouts.
The proposal comes as students across Kansas have organized several walkouts this year protesting federal immigration policies and actions by the Trump administration. Supporters of the protests say demonstrations are one of the few ways young people can participate in civic engagement before they are old enough to vote.
The amendment to Senate Bill 315 was introduced by Sen. Michael Murphy (R-Sylvia) and approved by the Senate in a 21–18 vote before the chamber passed the broader budget bill 21–19. The proposal still must be reconciled with the Kansas House version of the budget before a final bill can be approved.
Civil liberties advocates say student speech generally receives protection under the First Amendment and landmark court rulings such as the 1969 Supreme Court case Tinker v. Des Moines. However, legal experts note schools may still discipline students for missing class, provided punishment is applied consistently regardless of the protest’s message.
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