Chicopee students free speech violated?

CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) - Students at Bellamy Middle School have been protesting about one of their favorite teachers getting fired and now, the ACLU is stepping in.

Students have even created a website in support of the teacher.

The Chicopee Superintendent of Schools told 22News, students are allowed to protest as long as it doesn't interrupt the educational process.

But last week, two students were suspended after a demonstration during recess time allegedly disrupted testing for other students.

The ACLU claims the school's actions violated student's rights for free speech.

"We understand we want to use this as a teaching and learning moment on the other hand, students have to learn that if you overstep those boundaries that there is a consequence to pay," said Richard Rege Jr., the Superintendent of Chicopee Schools.

Superintendent Rege wouldn't comment on the reasons why the teacher in question is being let go, citing the "private nature" of the issue.

He did say the ACLU has sent him a letter and the school department's legal counsel is reviewing it.