Student Absence Excusal for Political Walk-Outs
This form is for the purpose of excusing students who exercise their right to peaceful protest and stand up for what they believe in and their community. Students who participate in walkouts should be excused from class and not punished for their participation. Instead their actions should be recognized as an important exercise of civic engagement and standing up for what they believe is right, and should be rewarded as a representation of putting education and citizenship into action. Peaceful protest is a meaningful form of learning that helps students develop democratic values, community awareness, and responsibility.
If a student is nevertheless disciplined for participating in the walkout, they have rights. Under Goss v. Lopez, students suspended for ten days or fewer are entitled to notice of the charges, an explanation of the disputed evidence, and an opportunity to share their side, while students facing suspensions longer than ten days or expulsion may be entitled to additional protections, including formal hearings and the ability to obtain a lawyer and dispute the sanctions. 419 U.S. 565 (1975). We recommend that students submit this document to their teacher and school administrator if attendance or disciplinary questions arise.
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Dear School Administration,
I dispute any negative treatment and write to respectfully request that I (NAME) who participated in the _________ (ACTION) to protest __________(CAUSE) and thus should be excused from class and rather than being subject to disciplinary consequences for participation, I should be given extra credit or extracurricular credit for my integration of my education into community service and citizen action.
The walkout was a peaceful activity allowing community members to engage in civic expression, express their values, and participate meaningfully in public discourse as we are taught to do. While we recognize that a walkout during instructional time may temporarily disrupt the school day, we respectfully submit that this form of civic engagement represents an important educational experience rather than misconduct and is exactly the type of activity designed for learning purposes.
As we learn in our civics and social studies classes, effective government depends on the active participation of an informed community, and as students preparing to become the next generation of leaders, it is essential that we learn firsthand what it means to protect the rule of law and our democratic nation.
The U.S. Supreme Court has long recognized that students do not “shed their constitutional rights to freedom of speech or expression at the schoolhouse gate.” Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School District, 393 U.S. 503 (1969). While schools may regulate conduct that materially interferes with school operations, Tinker does not require punishment where school officials determine that student demonstrations serve legitimate educational and civic purposes.
Courts within the Ninth Circuit, where Arizona resides, have consistently emphasized that public schools play a vital role in fostering student learning, civic development, and respect for constitutional values. Applying the principles of Tinker, the Ninth Circuit has recognized that student expression, including collective action and speech on controversial issues, is a protected and valuable part of the educational environment when it does not materially disrupt school operations or infringe on the rights of others. Pinard v. Clatskanie School District 6J, 467 F.3d 755 (9th Cir. 2006); Dariano v. Morgan Hill Unified School District, 767 F.3d 764 (9th Cir. 2014). These decisions reflect a clear commitment to viewing schools not merely as places of instruction, but as spaces where students learn democratic participation, civic responsibility, and the practical application of constitutional principles. In this context, supporting peaceful student demonstrations aligns with the educational mission of public schools and reinforces, rather than undermines, school values.
Participation in this walkout reflects students experiencing democratic participation, engaging with real-world social issues, and learning how to express their views safely within their community. These experiences align with what it means to be a well-rounded student who cares about their community, and engages in civic learning and service learning, even when they occur outside of the classroom.
Such demonstrations by students should not be punished, but should receive academic or extracurricular credit for participation, as this is not a school sponsored activity and these students chose to participate and express their beliefs. At least, I respectfully request that participation be treated as an excused absence, with students permitted to make up missed work in accordance with school policy, and without disciplinary penalty.
We appreciate your consideration of this request and your continued commitment to supporting student learning, civic development, and constitutional values within the school environment.
NAME
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