Public employees have the right to engage in political activity on issues of public concern--even those issues that relate to education. Advocacy for a particular candidate on a ballot or taking a side on a referendum clearly are issues of public concern and therefore protected. Conversely, speech that involves a purely personal matter is not protected. Generally, a public employer can't make employment decisions--positive or negative--based on an employee's exercise of constitutionally protected speech. Public schools can restrict an employee's speech regarding matters of public concern only if the speech would harm the school's ability to operate efficiently or inhibit the teacher's ability to perform his or her job. Educators especially need to speak out on educational issues during policy debates at the state and federal level. When school boards take on these issues, they frequently consult with school employees and other educational professionals. But state legislatures may not receive the same level of professional input and may rely instead on popular opinion and media reports. Educators can ensure that their professional perspective is heard--and they are protected by law when they do so.