Freedom of the Press and Student Journalists

Make Up Your Mind!!

1943 – West Virginia State Board of Education vs. Barnette The Supreme Court decided that the First Amendment right of Free Press extended to students. Meaning, students at this time had the right to express themselves in school publications.

Tinker v. Des Moines School Independent Community School District In December 1965, 12 students were sent home from schools in Des Moines, Iowa. The high school and middle school students were wearing black armbands to protest American involvement in Vietnam. In January 1966, three of these students — 16-year-old Christopher Eckhardt, 15-year-old John Tinker and his 13-year-old sister Mary Beth — decided to sue the school board.

Tinker v. Des Moines School Independent Community School District The Supreme Court ruled that the only control school administrators had was the right to punish school-sponsored student speech that significantly disrupted the work and discipline of the school or interfered with the rights of others.

Bethel School District No. 403 v. Fraser In 1986, the Supreme Court extended to school administrators the right to punish school-sponsored student speech that was contrary to the values the school sought to promote.

“Public Forum” A specific form set aside for expressive activities. Public forums must be open to the general public.

“Getting on a Soapbox” When people are allowed to express themselves without any restrictions. This is a public forum only if the general public is able to participate

Speaker’s Corner Hyde Park – London, UK

Hazelwood School District v. Kuhlmeier Read case summary. Results of Supreme Court case? When student journalists wish to protect their First Amendment rights, they must, by practice or statement, establish their student medium as a public forum.