While students have a right to exercise free speech, schools have a responsibility to ensure safety and maintain the integrity of the learning environment. School and district administration must prepare for the potential of civil unrest both in the community and at school (e.g., walkouts, sit-ins, protests), and to prevent or mitigate the impact of protests that might turn violent. School leaders should work with students who want to organize protests or walk outs, provide options for safe ways to protest, and remind students and parents of policies and any consequences for unexcused absences. School leaders should review crisis response protocols and plans for the possibility of community protests that result in violence. School psychologists and other school-employed mental health professionals should be involved in planning and implementation of this work. The strategies outlined in the handout can help educators reinforce resilient behavior, adaptive coping, and constructive approaches to debriefing current events in ways that support the entire school community.