FL H0835

School districts prohibited from discriminating against students or personnel based on political, ideological, or religious viewpoints, and from penalizing or rewarding students for such expression in coursework, artwork, or assignments

Students authorized to wear clothing, accessories, and jewelry displaying political, religious, or ideological messages, and to organize related groups, clubs, and gatherings with equal access to school facilities

Department of Education required to develop and publish a model policy regarding limited public forums and political/ideological expression that all district school boards must adopt

Private cause of action created for persons or student clubs harmed by violations, with statutory punitive damages of $15,000-$25,000, attorney fees, and other relief; 2-year statute of limitations applies

State waives Eleventh Amendment immunity, and school districts are not immune from suit or liability in federal court for violations