How Has Speech Been Both Limited and Expanded, and How Does it Apply to You and Your School?

The Founders meant for the First Amendment to protect a wide array of expressive activities. The Supreme Court, recognizing changes in society and technology, has applied the First Amendment's protections in some ways that are broader than ever. Student speech in public schools, however, poses unique questions. This lesson will help students to understand the operation of the First Amendment in both their school and in the wider context of society, and it will help foster students' appreciation of their rights, preparing them for responsible and effective participation in their school, community, and nation.

Objectives

• Students will understand the conditions under which government, including public schools, may restrict speech.
• Students will evaluate whether certain actions should be protected by the First Amendment.
• Students will understand Supreme Court applications of First Amendment protections regarding “expressive conduct.”
• Students will critically analyze free speech issues concerning schools as well as the proper balance between First Amendment protections and legitimate educational/disciplinary concerns.
• Students will appreciate the importance of the freedom of speech in preserving a free and open society.

Student Handouts

• Handout A: Background Essay – How Has Speech Been Both Limited and Expanded, and How Does it Apply to You and Your School?
• Handout B: What Do I Believe About the Freedom of Expression?
• Handout C: Student Code of Conduct
• Handout D: Schools and the Marketplace of Ideas—4 Scenarios

Teacher Resources

• How Has Speech Been Both Limited and Expanded, and How Does It Apply to You and Your School? Answer Key