Public school principals may let certain federally chartered patriotic youth groups address students and may accept their materials to hand out, and public schools may not deny these groups equal access to meet in open or limited public forums, including over membership or leadership criteria or an oath to God and country.
Official title: patriotic youth groups; school access.
- September 12, 2026
What changes
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NowDuring the first quarter of each school year, a public school principal may allow representatives of any patriotic youth group to address students during regular school hours, as the principal decides, about how the group supports educational interests and civic involvement.
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NowA group that wants to address students must submit a verbal or written request to the principal during the first 2 weeks of the school year. The principal may then give verbal or written approval that includes the date and time.
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NowA principal may accept materials from a patriotic youth group to give to students. If the principal accepts them, the principal must make sure they are handed directly to students on school property. The principal may ask to see the materials first for approval and may decide how they are handed out.
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NowA public school may not deny equal access or a fair opportunity to meet to, or discriminate against, a patriotic youth group that wants to meet within a designated open forum or limited public forum. This includes reasons based on the group's membership or leadership criteria or its oath of allegiance to God and country.
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NowA "patriotic youth group" means a group that serves people under 21, has an educational purpose promoting patriotism and civic involvement, and is either listed in certain chapters of federal law (36 U.S. Code, chapters 301, 309, 311, 403, 709, 803, 1305, 1401 or 1541) when this law takes effect, or is the state affiliate of such a group.
Who it affects
- Public school students
- Patriotic youth groups that meet the law's definition and their state affiliates
- Public school principals
- Public schools
What you need to do
Nothing for most people. A patriotic youth group that wants to address students at a public school must submit a verbal or written request to the principal during the first 2 weeks of the school year.
What the law doesn't answer
- Which specific organizations are listed in the federal law chapters named in the definition.
- What counts as a school's designated open forum or limited public forum.
- Whether parents are notified or students may opt out of presentations.
- What happens if a school violates the equal access rule, and how it would be enforced.
- Whether this applies to charter schools as well as district schools.
- Whether principals must give reasons for denying a request to address students.
This summary describes the law as enacted. Later laws, court rulings or referendum petitions can change the picture. Check the official text for the current wording.