Research Guides: Libertas Civics Camp 8.0: Freedom of Expression and Speech in Schools

Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School District

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. - The First Amendment to the United States Constitution

Objectives:

Students will learn about liberties and limitations of freedom of speech that are identified in landmark Supreme Court cases.
Students will learn about ________________ and how it relates to ________________ in school.
Students will demonstrate their knowledge by creating a group project and present at the Family and Community Civics Event.

Focus Questions:

What are the key principles and protections of freedom of speech in the United States Constitution?
Why is freedom of speech important in a community or country?
How does freedom of speech affect students in school?
How does freedom of speech connect to the right to express opinions and beliefs?
How does Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School District define freedom of speech?
How does Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School District protect freedom of speech?
How does Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School District limit freedom of speech?

Student Resources: Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School District

Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School Distric
In 1984, in front of the Dallas City Hall, Gregory Lee Johnson burned an American flag as a means of protest against Reagan administration policies. Johnson was tried and convicted under a Texas law outlawing flag desecration. He was sentenced to one year in jail and assessed a $2,000 fine. After the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals reversed the conviction, the case went to the Supreme Court.
Tinker v. Des Moines School District (1969)
Article Contents:
- Commentary
- Excerpt/Transcript from SCOTUS

We the Students by Jamin B. Raskin
Call Number: 344.73 RAS
Presents information about the U.S. Constitution and courts, with studies of a selection of Supreme Court cases that explore some of the problems facing young Americans, including freedom of expression, freedom of the student press, the right to privacy, freedom from discrimination, due process, and others.

Quick Read: First Amendment
Article Sections:
- The arguments for free speech
- Many types of speech
- No coverage for obscenity
- Not an absolute freedom
- Clear and present danger test
- A balancing act
- Commerce, jails, and schools
- Time, place, and manner restrictions
First Amendment Research Launch Page
Research Information using:
- Reference articles
- Case Overviews
- Primary Sources
- Biographies
- Academic Journals
- Magazines
- Newspapers
Freedom of Speech Research Launch Page
Research information using:
- Reference Articles
- Primary Sources
- Biographies
- Academic Journals
- Magazines

Teacher Resources: Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School District

Tinker v. Des Moines addressed the scope of students' freedom of expression in public schools. (Gale)

Key Vocabulary:

Infringe
Symbolic Speech
Protest/Petition
Silent Protest
Inflammatory Speech

Lesson Plans:

Tinker v Des Moines
This activity is based on the landmark Supreme Court decision in Tinker v. Des Moines which is widely considered the watershed of students’ free speech rights at school. This activity uses symbolic speech as applied to a "dress code scenario".

Tinker v. Des Moines (1969) Mini Lesson
This mini-lesson covers the basics of the Supreme Court's decision that extended First Amendment protections to students in the classroom.