TIPS
What
are the rights of students in Schools?
By
Thomas
Lumi
Introduction:
The tragedy of September 11 has brought out issues regarding the
rights of students in the school environment. For example, the ability of students
to demonstrate their view of the conflict through the wearing of clothing
within a school is now an issue. The question that arises is; what are the
rights of students to express their support or disagreement with American
policy through the wearing of clothing. Does the principal have the right to
suspend or force a student to remove, or change the students clothing if he or
she disagrees with the students expression. The issue comes down to this, what
are student’s rights and the rights of the administration in a school.
We have previously discussed the different parts of the United
States government. Specifically we have discussed the Judicial Branch (Supreme
Court) and its role in deciding which laws are constitutional. The issue we
will address is Freedom of expression and how it works in the educational
system. Who has the right to set the standards in school?
The
Tinker v. Des Moines Community
Independent School District 393 (1969) was the first test case. This case can help us understand
whether a principal has the right to suspend, or send home a student who is
wearing clothing principal feels inappropriate. We will look at this case as
well as other cases to address the issue of Freedom of Expression.
Objective:
Students will take a position either supporting or opposing the
principal’s right to suspend or send home for inappropriate clothing.
Task:
· Students will review the Tinker
v. Des Moines Community Independent School District 393 through the use
of websites as well as other resources to help them understand and come to a
conclusion.
· Create a report, which addresses whether
a student agrees or disagrees with the case. Support your opinion with facts.
· Mock Trial, prepare a case for or
against the principal’s right to send a student home or suspend.
Materials:
a) “Tinker v. Des
Moines”
b) “Bethel v. Fraser”
Process:
1) Students will be set up into groups of
four with specific roles. They will choose a group leader, recorder, reporter and
a reader. They will discuss the case amongst themselves and then prepare a
presentation
2)
Writing a summary, students will use the
websites listed on this page as well as other resources to obtain facts to
support their view.
3) Students will then as a group write a
report using the information gained. All students will follow the following
format.
·
Cover page
·
Introduction
to your topic
·
Agree or
disagree with the issue of freedom of expression
·
Your
groups opinion on how freedom of expression relates to our current situation in
the United States
·
A summary
and conclusion
4) Mock trial, students will role play the
Tinker v. Des Moines
Community Independent School District 393 presented to the
Supreme Court.
Resources:
FindLaw: Cases and Codes: Supreme
Court Opinions
Standards:
Social Studies
Standard 5 Civics, Citizenship, and Government
Understand how the United States and New York Constitutions
support majority rule but also protect the rights of the minority
Understand how civic values reflected in United States and New
York State Constitutions have been implemented through laws and practices
Language Arts
E1c: Read and comprehend information
materials
E2a: Produce a report of information
E3b: Participate in-group meetings
Evaluation:
Evaluation will be in two
parts
Part I – Groups will be responsible for writing a
500 – 700 word report supporting their point of view. The report will support
their agreeing or disagreeing with the principal’s ability to suspend or send
home a student fro wearing inappropriate clothing or symbols.
Group presentation, each group will conduct an oral presentation
explaining their view.
Part II – Students participation in the Mock trial
Grade breakdown:
1) Group participation 25%
2) Group Report 30%
3) Group Presentation 20%
4) Mock Trial 25%