They teach us in grade school that the United States Constitution protects our liberties and freedoms from government prosecution. They also teach us that the Constitution applies to all people in our country regardless of age, sex, or race. What the DON’T teach us is that they Constitution doesn’t apply in the very places they are teaching us about the protections afforded by the Constitution.
So it’s generally accepted that certain basic freedoms aren’t guaranteed when we enter private places. For instance, the last time I checked people don’t have the freedom of assembly in my house. I don’t just let anyone into my house to start having a meeting. Additionally, we give up certain freedoms when we’re with other people. For instance we can’t simply yell “Fire” in a crowded theater just because we feel like it.
But what about schools? Are schools private places devoid of Constitutional regulation? The last time I checked, we had to go to school. However, the Supreme Court case has ruled that free speech is not a protection guaranteed at school. In the Supreme Court case, a student unveiled a sign with the phrase “Bong Hits for Jesus.” I should note that the student was not actually ON school grounds. He was outside. However, the school suspended him for his actions.
In a surprise, the highest Court sided with the school. Students can’t bring signs with messages on them outside of school grounds. What? The last time I checked schools don’t control the world. First, we give up freedom of speech, then what? Additionally, speaking of the suspension, did the school follow due process? The school’s decision was law. The student appealed but he lost.
I don’t know really what to thing about this. Yeah I probably don’t want the guy sitting next to me in class wearing a vulgar shirt, but where do we draw the line? I solicit comments to see what others think. Should students be protected by the Constitution?
So it’s generally accepted that certain basic freedoms aren’t guaranteed when we enter private places. For instance, the last time I checked people don’t have the freedom of assembly in my house. I don’t just let anyone into my house to start having a meeting. Additionally, we give up certain freedoms when we’re with other people. For instance we can’t simply yell “Fire” in a crowded theater just because we feel like it.
But what about schools? Are schools private places devoid of Constitutional regulation? The last time I checked, we had to go to school. However, the Supreme Court case has ruled that free speech is not a protection guaranteed at school. In the Supreme Court case, a student unveiled a sign with the phrase “Bong Hits for Jesus.” I should note that the student was not actually ON school grounds. He was outside. However, the school suspended him for his actions.
In a surprise, the highest Court sided with the school. Students can’t bring signs with messages on them outside of school grounds. What? The last time I checked schools don’t control the world. First, we give up freedom of speech, then what? Additionally, speaking of the suspension, did the school follow due process? The school’s decision was law. The student appealed but he lost.
I don’t know really what to thing about this. Yeah I probably don’t want the guy sitting next to me in class wearing a vulgar shirt, but where do we draw the line? I solicit comments to see what others think. Should students be protected by the Constitution?
1 comment:
I agree with you completely, it started with free search of lockers, then cars in the parking lot, and now speech off campus. No vote, no voice.
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