Research Guides: Libertas Civics Camp 9.0: School Newspapers and Freedom of Speech

Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier

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 Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier define freedom of speech?
How does Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier protect freedom of speech?
How does Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier limit freedom of speech?

Student Resources: Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier

Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier
The Spectrum, the school-sponsored newspaper of Hazelwood East High School, was written and edited by students. In May 1983, Robert E. Reynolds, the school principal, received the pages proofs for the May 13 issue. Reynolds found two of the articles in the issue to be inappropriate, and ordered that the pages on which the articles appeared be withheld from publication. Cathy Kuhlmeier and two other former Hazelwood East students brought the case to court.
Freedom of Speech: Schools
Article Contents:
- Cases Supporting Student Rights
-Cases Supporting Admin Rights

Free Press by Sylvia Engdahl (Editor)
Call Number: 342.73 FRE

ISBN: 0737758279

A collection of essays that explores arguments over teenagers' rights to freedom of the press, discussing how the laws pertain to them and exploring legal cases related to the issue.

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: Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier

Principal Robert Reynolds holds a copy of the Hazelwood East High School student newspaper, 1988.. (Gale)

Key Vocabulary:

Remove
Violate
Appealed
Reverse
Interfered
Censor

Lesson Plans:

Essential Court Cases for Journalism Students: Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier
In this lesson, students will demonstrate the core values and principles of U.S. democracy as set forth in documents such as the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, the Bill of Rights and court decision and practice these key ideas by collaborating on decisions through a student-led democratic process

Hazelwood School District v. Kuhlmeier (1988) Mini Lesson
This mini-lesson covers the basics of the Supreme Court’s decision that established a school principal’s right to censor student articles in the school newspaper.