The Five Freedoms Project

You Be The Judge

Test your knowledge of the Five Freedoms and see how you match up to the courts...and fellow citizens.

September 2009

Student Speech

In April 2004, a high school sophomore in San Diego protested his school’s support of a National Day of Silence by wearing a T-shirt with an anti-homosexual message on it. His T-shirt, on the front, read: “I will not accept what God has condemned.” On the back, it said, “Homosexuality is shameful. Romans 1:27.”

After being suspended, the student sued, claiming that the school’s silencing of his expression amounted to viewpoint discrimination because the school allowed expression of what the student considered the pro-gay viewpoints associated with the Day of Silence, which promotes tolerance of sexual orientation.

Can a public school prevent a student from wearing T-shirts with anti-gay messages?

Vote Now!

  • A. NO

    Students do not lose their First Amendment rights at the schoolhouse door.  Schools should not be allowed to censor a student’s Christian point of view, while at the same time permitting students to speak out in support of homosexual behavior.

    Vote A
  • B. YES

    The student’s speech could be prohibited because it “collides with the rights of other students” within the meaning of the major student-rights case, Tinker v. Des Moines (1969).

    Vote B
  • C. YES, BUT

    Students do not have the right to publicly criticize school policies. Such power for principals is essential to the preservation of order, decorum, and good government in public schools.

    Vote C