Student Free Speech and Censorship

The video discusses the First Amendment's protection of free speech, focusing on a 1983 case where student journalists in St. Louis faced censorship from their school. The case escalated to the Supreme Court, which ruled in favor of the school, allowing censorship if it serves an educational purpose or prevents disruption. This decision set a precedent for student speech rights, highlighting the balance between free expression and educational objectives.

What does the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution primarily protect?

• Freedom of religion

• The right to bear arms

• The right to privacy

• Free speech

What sparked the censorship battle at Hazelwood East High School?

• A debate on school lunch quality

• Articles on teen pregnancy and divorce

• A protest against school uniforms

• A petition for longer recess

What was the initial decision of the District Court regarding the censorship case?

• It supported the students

• It remained neutral

• It supported the principal

• It dismissed the case

What did the federal appeals court decide about the Spectrum?

• It was irrelevant to the case

• It was a restricted forum

• It was a public forum

• It was a private forum

What was the school's argument at the U.S. Supreme Court?

• Censorship was part of the educational curriculum

• The Spectrum was a public forum

• Censorship was unconstitutional

• The students had no rights

What was the Supreme Court's ruling in the Hazelwood case?

• In favor of Hazelwood School District

• In favor of the students

• In favor of the federal appeals court

• In favor of the principal

What precedent did the Hazelwood vs. Kuhlmeier case establish?

• Students have unlimited free speech rights

• Schools must always allow student publications

• Schools can restrict speech with a valid educational purpose

• Schools can never restrict speech

What are the current limitations on students' freedom of speech?

• They have no limitations

• They must adhere to school policies

• They can only speak freely outside school

• They have more rights than adults