SHAWNEE MISSION — A Kansas school district faces a lawsuit alleging violation of students’ free speech rights during a nationwide protest of gun violence.
The American Civil Liberties Union of Kansas filed suit Thursday against the Shawnee Mission School District.
Some students participated in a nationwide walkout protesting gun violence in April. High school students said they were given a script for their 17-minute walkout and an associate principal took cameras away from student journalists. At the middle school, students complained their event was cut short because officials had not approved language about gun control or gun violence.
The lawsuit asks the court to prohibit violation of students’ rights.
A district spokeswoman says the district continues efforts to ensure that students’ free speech rights are respected and that they remain safe and secure.
