You Can’t Say That in School?!

What you'll learn

Students discover how the five freedoms guaranteed by the First Amendment apply in everyday life and in school. When are there limits and why? The landmark Supreme Court case of Tinker v. Des Moines serves as a basis to discuss how public school officials must balance a student's right to free expression with the need to provide a safe learning environment. Students then discuss and debate other real-life court cases.

Grade(s)

7-12
College/University

Duration

50 minutes

Day(s) offered

Monday–Friday

Time(s) offered

9 a.m.–4 p.m. ET

Cost

Free

Venue and Capacity

Virtual (no limit)

Minimum enrollment

10 participants

Virtual classes must be requested at least two weeks in advance. To request a free virtual class, please complete the virtual request form. All reservations are tentative pending confirmation of hardware and software capabilities.

book now

You can register by completing our online form, calling 202/292-6650 or emailing [email protected].

Please notify us at least one week in advance if you must cancel your reservation.

Pre- and Post-Visit Lesson Plans

PDF DOC
You Can't Say That in School Handouts

PDF DOC

To request a large print or Braille version, call 202.292.6650.

First Amendment and Tinker

Students learn about the groundbreaking 1969 Supreme Court case that protected student speech in public schools.
Grade(s)
- 6-12
Venue & Capacity
- Virtual (no limit)
Ask an Expert: Understanding the First Amendment

What rights do I have, and why are they important to individuals and society?
Grade(s)
- 3-12
- College/University
Venue & Capacity
- Virtual (no limit)
Making a Change: The First Amendment & the Civil Rights Movement

Students watch and discuss a Newseum-produced documentary about the role of the First Amendment freedoms in the civil rights movement and in protests today.
Grade(s)
- 7-12
- College/University
Venue & Capacity
- Virtual (no limit)