First Amendment 101

What does this mean?

Let’s watch a short video Teachers: when you click the link for the video, you will need to enter the code. CODE: TXGZUF Scholastic Video

The First Amendment establishes 5 key freedoms: Speech Assembly Religion Press Petition Let’s look at some questions people have about First Amendment Freedoms

Facebook banned me! Isn’t that a violation of free speech? Freedom of Speech Facebook banned me! Isn’t that a violation of free speech? No The first amendment applies to government institutions like public schools The first amendment does not apply to private companies—or your parents

It’s not quite that simple. Freedom of Speech Does the First Amendment allow me to say and wear whatever I want at school? It’s not quite that simple. School officials have the right to limit speech and clothing choices if they think they may interfere with learning. Schools cannot ban personal expression just because it is controversial or unpopular

Freedom of Assembly My town has a curfew for teens. Doesn’t that violate my right to peacefully assemble? No Many cities have instituted nightly curfews for teens to help reduce crime. Sometimes the court system will block a curfew that does not allow for exceptions such as teens who work night jobs.

Yes Freedom of Assembly Students are upset about a current event and want to peacefully protest at school. Do they have the right to protest at school to show support for this event? Yes Students have the right to peacefully protest even at school with these reminders: Peaceful protest cannot disrupt classes Peaceful protests cannot damage property Students cannot be pressured to protest but must make their own decision to participate. Schools may dictate the location or time of the protest in order to ensure the safety of all students.

Is prayer allowed in schools? Freedom of Religion Is prayer allowed in schools? Hmmm… While the government wanted to keep government out of religion, they did not want to forbid it You can pray—as long as you are the one who initiates it and the school officials are not involved.

Freedom of Religion Do I have to say the Pledge of Allegiance? It includes the words “under God.” No Schools are allowed to lead students in the Pledge as a patriotic exercise, not as a prayer. Students have the right not salute the flag or recite the pledge.

Freedom of Press We have to show the principal our school newspaper articles before we print them? Is that legal? Absolutely Administrators have the right to preview and censor school-sponsored publications because they are considered the school’s speech Administrators need to have real cause to pull articles, though such as invading a student’s privacy.

Freedom of Press Does freedom of the press allow the media to write or air whatever it wants? Mostly Journalists can cover anything they choose and from any viewpoint with 2 key limits They cannot publish false information knowingly They cannot publish private information

Can I use social media to ask my classmates to lobby school officials? Freedom to Petition Can I use social media to ask my classmates to lobby school officials? Yes, but… Students have the right to lobby school officials for changes, but you cannot encourage actions that would disrupt learning. Students also need to be sure not to insult others in their petition

Why? 1. Speech 2. Assembly Religion Press Petition Which of the First Amendment freedoms is most important to you? 1. Speech 2. Assembly Religion Press Petition Why?