Tinker v. Des Moines

What was the issue in Tinker v. Des Moines (1969)?

• The students and parents sued the school district claiming a violation of their first Amendment right of freedom of speech.

• The school district wanted to search the bags of the students.

• The parents did not want their children wearing black arm bands in school.

• The students felt that their freedom of religion was violated.

Why did John & Mary Beth Tinker and Chris Eckhardt wear black arm bands?

• To Protest the war in Vietnam.

• They disagreed about taxes.

• To protest the 4th amendment.

• To support WWII veterans.

What was the school's response to the students wearing the black arm bands?

• The school supported the students.

• They suspended the students.

• School officials made extras so other students could participate.

• The students were arrested without trial.

Who did the courts side with?

• The school district.

• The parents and students.

What was the Supreme Court's response to siding with the students and parents?

• The first amendment is irrelevant to this case.

• Parents and students have a stronger say in decisions than schools.

• Students have unlimited rights in expression.

• Students and teachers don't shed their constitutional rights to freedom of speech or expression.

Which of the following is protected by the 1st amendment?

• Expression of vulgar and offensive language.

• Advocation of illegal drug use.

• Freedom of appropriate expression.

• Unlimited symbolic speech.

When can a school limit student speech?

• When the act fails the "disruption test".

• When the expression offends the teacher.

• When parents get annoyed.

The District Court and the Court of Appeals upheld the principle that

• school officials could limit students’ rights to prevent possible interference with school activities.

• students’ individual rights were subject to the higher school authority while on school grounds.

• free speech was a privilege to be exercised discreetly and within the guidelines set by the school.

• allowing political expression on school grounds could impinge upon the rights and beliefs of other students.

Tags

CCSS.RI.8.1

CCSS.RI.8.8

CCSS.RL.11-12.1

CCSS.RL.8.1

CCSS.RL.9-10.1

What does Justice Fortas identify as an important effect of the “hazardous freedom” granted by the Constitution?

• occasional infringement of school rules

• fear of disturbance

• fostering of a strong, open American society

• development of a rebellious spirit

What is Justice Stewart’s point of disagreement with the majority opinion?

• In a school setting, children’s rights should be abrogated.

• Children and adults do not have equal First Amendment rights

• Knowing the school rule in advance negates First Amendment protection for the petitioners.

• There are acceptable times when school authority supersedes individual rights.