You Be The Judge
Test your knowledge of the Five Freedoms and see how you match up to the courts...and fellow citizens.
Online Student Speech
A student’s web posting criticized her school’s body-piercing policy with vulgar language and harsh criticisms. The student, who posted the comment on her personal computer at home, contended that her message was protected political speech. A juvenile court disagreed, ruling that school officials had been harassed. The case went to the Indiana Court of Appeals.
May principals punish students for criticizing school policies online?
Vote Now!
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Vote AA. YESStudents do not have the right to publicly criticize school officials and policies. Such power for principals is essential to the preservation of order, decorum, and good government in public schools.
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Vote BB. NOBecause the posting was made on the student’s free time, and on her own computer, the school may not infringe in any way on her right to express herself.
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Vote CC. NOA public school may not prosecute a student for using vulgar, critical language if her overall message is aimed at commenting on a public school policy.
Icon of Freedom
Nina Graves-Hicks
A Collaborative School Leader
Nina Hicks is the principal for Davis Aerospace High School, in Detroit, Michigan. An inaugural member of the Five Freedoms Leadership Academy, Nina is committed to making Davis a more collaborative, democratic and high-functioning learning community.
