What is not protected by the Constitution regarding teachers' statements?

The Constitution provides protections for various types of speech under the First Amendment, particularly in the context of public employees like teachers. When assessing what is not protected, the focus is on false statements made purposely, often referred to as "actual malice" in legal terms. This standard applies particularly to public figures and can lead to consequences when such statements are knowingly untrue and made with intent to harm the reputation of the individual or the institution involved.

In contrast, true statements about public issues, general opinions about education, and even statements about school policies fall under the realm of protected speech. True statements contribute to informed discourse, which is essential in educational settings. General opinions are safeguarded as they reflect personal views, which are important for public debate regarding educational matters. Moreover, statements about school policies often pertain to matters of public concern and professional duties, hence enjoying protection under the First Amendment as well.

Being mindful of these distinctions helps clarify why knowingly false statements would be the only category that lacks constitutional protection when made by teachers regarding their professional context.