Freedom of speech is a bedrock constitutional principle, but debates continue over what limits, if any, should be placed on it. In the landmark case of Tinker v. Des Moines (1969), the Court ruled that student free speech rights do not stop when they enter school grounds. Since that decision, the Court has dealt with specific cases to further carve out scenarios where students do and do not have the right to say what they wish.  As students return to class, a perennial question will continue to be discussed: should students have greater free speech rights at school?  

Those who argue that students should have greater free speech rights at school argue that students are not able to sufficiently express themselves currently. They argue that teenagers at school should be able to have similar free speech rights as adults do. This side tends to believe that allowing greater free speech will help students to become better citizens in a self-governing country. 

Those who argue that students should not have greater free speech rights at school argue that the focus of school should be on learning, and that expanding free expression will have a detrimental impact. They contend that too much free speech will lead to turmoil in the classroom. This side tends to believe that teachers and administrators need to be given priority so that a stable classroom can help students become better citizens in a self-governing country. 

So, what do you think? Should Students Have Broader Free Speech Rights at School? Students can answer Yes, they should; No, they should not; or a nuanced answer in-between! Be sure to submit your answers by September 12th to have it considered for this week’s contest.