‘Know Your Rights’ video series helps members protect themselves, students

n an era where classroom discussions increasingly intersect with complex social issues, educators face unprecedented challenges in navigating their roles as both teachers and public employees. Understanding one’s rights as an educator has become more crucial than ever.
To address these needs, NYSUT has developed the “Know Your Rights” video series to help guide members through their rights, inside and outside the classroom. The current series includes five comprehensive videos covering essential topics: Academic Freedom, Free Speech, Book Bans and Challenges, Women’s Rights, and Controversial Topics in the Classroom. Additional videos are being developed to address emerging issues and concerns.
“Our members are on the front lines of education every day, and they need to know they have solid legal ground to stand on,” explains Melinda Person, NYSUT president. “Knowledge of their rights empowers educators to advocate effectively for themselves and their students while maintaining the high standards of professionalism our field demands.”
“We hear from members nearly every day about these issues, so we thought it would be a good idea to create some easily accessible resources to help answer the most commonly asked questions,” said Lena Ackerman, an attorney in NYSUT’s Office of General Council, who is the host and subject-matter expert in the video series. “Individual situations will vary, and we’re always here to help our members with them as they come up, but the ‘Know Your Rights’ series is a good first step for our members in understanding their rights and responsibilities.”
This foundation of legal literacy helps educators make informed decisions about curriculum content, classroom discussions and their roles as public employees. Understanding these rights becomes increasingly critical as the educational landscape continues to evolve and adapt to societal changes. Professional organizations and unions are crucial in providing resources and support to help educators navigate these complex waters, ensuring they can focus on their primary mission: educating the next generation.
NYSUT members can access the full library of videos and other resources at nysut.org/KYR.