Is it fair to restrict certain students' rights in order to make schools safer?

Tension between free speech and social stability has been a central concern throughout American history. In the 1960s that concern reached a fever pitch with the anti-Vietnam War movement. When antiwar sentiment "invaded" American schools, official resolve to retain order in the classroom vied with the rights of students to speak freely. A key event in that face-off was the Supreme Court decision in Tinker v. Des Moines. As the most important student rights case ever to reach the Supreme Court, Tinker raises important issues regarding First Amendment freedoms and provides a fascinating legal window on a turbulent era.

What rights do students have, and how do they differ from the rights of adults? Readers are challenged to think deeply and critically about these questions as they explore their rights as students. The informative main text provides essential historical context and explains legal rulings in accessible language. Fact boxes and graphic organizers enhance readers' knowledge of this important topic. Full-color photographs provide relatable examples of students exercising their rights. This helpful introduction to student rights encourages activism, informed citizenship, and a deeper understanding of the relationship between rights and responsibilities.

Does freedom of assembly apply to a high-school junior organizing a protest against the school administration? Does disrespecting a teacher fall under freedom of speech? The diverse perspectives in this collection explore the concept of student rights and tackle what civil and constitutional rights are covered when you're in an educational environment. Readers can expect discussions of relevant court cases and instances of student-led activism, as well as a focus on protected sources for student reporters.

A survey of the evolution of student rights, from children as property to free speech, prayer in the classroom, compulsory flag salutes, school searches, drug testing, and the right to equal education. This fascinating survey provides a comprehensive introduction to student rights, tracing the legal status of children as their father's property to their current status as citizens entitled to constitutional rights. Written by Patricia Hinchey, Student Rights: A Reference Handbook chronicles the landmark legislation and court decisions that have enabled the gradual transformation of students' rights. This book explains issues surrounding mandatory education and education as a property right, examines various inequities such as the segregation of minority students, and discusses bilingualism (notably the Ebonics, or Black English, controversy in Oakland, California). It describes the persistent tension regarding religion and education, and explores current controversies such as the widespread use of strip searches in schools by nonuniformed officials.

This book examines the two sides of the debate related to freedom of speech and press, censorship, the right to protest, and the ability to practice freedom of expression and religion, and how it affects students today.