Known far and wide as the “Tinker Standard,” the law on free speech in public schools is governed by a 1969 U.S. Supreme Court decision giving students the right to vent for or against just about anything, as long as they don’t create a disruption that violates the rights of others.
The ruling is named for Mary Beth Tinker, who is headed to Connecticut this month as part of a national speaking tour. Tinker will focus on “the need for students and civil rights lawyers to remain vigilant.” Her scheduled appearance at Quinnipiac University School of Law on Nov. 12 comes during an active time in free-speech legal actions.
