t publications altogether. Similarly, schools may impose any reasonable constraint on student speech in a school-sponsored publication such as the school newspaper. While schools have considerable latitude in prohibiting the distribution of materials that conflict with their educational mission, schools generally may not ban materials based solely on their content. Similarly, schools should not allow a heckler's veto by prohibiting the distribution only of those materials that are unpopular or controversial. If Christian students are allowed to distribute their newsletters, Buddhists, Muslims and even Wiccans must be given the same privilege. Adults and teachers from outside the school, on the other hand, have no right to distribute materials to students in a public school. Moreover, schools generally may not give the Gideons and other religious groups access to distribute their materials on campus. At least one state attorney general has suggested outside religious groups could distribute materials on campus if the distribution were "passive"(i.e. materials were left for students to browse through and take if they wished), a wide variety of other outside community groups were given similar privileges and school personnel did not promote the materials. Preserving the speech rights of students and maintaining the integrity of public education are not mutually exclusive. Schools should model First Amendment principles by encouraging and supporting the rights of students to express their ideas in writing. On the other hand, students should not expect to have unfettered access to their classmates and should be prepared to abide by reasonable time, place and manner restrictions. Schools must continue to maintain order, discipline and the educational mission of the school as they seek to accommodate the rights of students. Released Time Programs Many states have laws authorizing students to be released periodically for off-campus religious in...
