Bill > SB421

This bill, known as the Safeguarding Personal Expression at K-12 Schools (SPEAKS) act, aims to protect students' rights to express religious, political, or ideological viewpoints in Kansas schools. It clarifies that students cannot be penalized for expressing such viewpoints in class discussions, assignments, artwork, or presentations, as long as their work is assessed by ordinary academic standards. The act also allows students to organize religious, political, or ideological gatherings and clubs, granting them the same access to school facilities as other student-initiated groups, and prohibits schools from discriminating against these groups based on their viewpoints or internal membership requirements. While safeguarding student expression, the bill includes exceptions for speech that is not protected by the First Amendment, such as threats or obscenity, and for expression that substantially disrupts school operations or the expressive activities of others. Importantly, if a school violates this act, students or student clubs can file a lawsuit seeking damages, attorney fees, and other relief, with a minimum of $5,000 in damages for each violation, and schools are not immune from such liability.

Education

Education (Senate)

https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb421/