Lax & Ethics Notes

The First Amendment

Freedom of Speech

Freedom of Press

Freedom of Petition

Freedom of Religion

Freedom of Assembly


Censorship: suppression of published or broadcast material


Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School District (1969): The US government recognizes First Amendment rights protect student rights to protest. Neither students nor teachers "shed their constitutional rights to freedom of expression or speech at the schoolhouse gate." cannot be unlawful or physically disruptive speech.

Bethel School District v. Fraser (1986): inapproriate speech for class president Because school officials have an "interest in teaching students the boundaries of socially approriate behavior", they can censor student behavior that is indecent or vulgar, even if it does not cause a "material or substantial disruption." decency standards

Morse v. Frederick (2007): Olympic torch travels through town, Principal Morse cancels school, Senior Frederick unveils banner, says "BONG HITS 4 JESUS," suspended for 10 days.

Libel: Publication of a false statement of fact that seriously harms someone's reputation

Slander: Verbal false statement of fact that seriously harms someone's reputation