NYC Public Schools Accused of Limiting Political Free Speech

(AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)

by Sarah Kestenbaum

The teachers union for the New York City’s public school system has accused the city of violating its first amendment rights by banning teachers from wearing political campaign buttons, according to the Associated Press. The American Federation of Teachers, which includes the NYC United Federation of Teachers, voted over the summer to endorse Presidential Candidate Barack Obama.

City school Chancellor Joel Klein told school principals more that two weeks ago to enforce the Department of Education policy that requires complete neutrality when regarding political candidates. A letter sent to the UFT from the schools told teachers to restrict political activity in the school buildings and also stated that failure to comply with this policy could result in disciplinary action.

A lawyer representing the teacher’s union has said that there have been no complaints from students or parents concerning the use of political buttons during campaigns and that the city would have to prove the buttons were disruptive in the schools in order to ban them.

The UFT announced Friday, Oct. 10 that a lawsuit has been filed in the U.S. District Court in Manhattan. It is still being reviewed by the city.