Asserts that social studies teachers must combine individual rights and responsibilities when teaching citizenship. Contends democracy depends on citizenship literacy, or citizens who understand their First Amendment rights as well as their obligations. Stresses the importance of teaching students to think critically about their role as citizens.…

Presents an argument for the recently proposed ban on advertising of tobacco products. Differentiates between commercial speech, used to sell products and services, and political speech, which relates to ideas. Argues that tobacco is the only legal product that is dangerous when used as intended, therefore First Amendment rights regarding other…

Discusses the Freedom Forum poll on the First Amendment that was conducted by telephone between July 17 and August 1, 1997. Expounds that the Freedom Forum intended to depict the opinions within the United States concerning the First Amendment and to trace changes in opinion. Describes the results in detail. (CMK)

Discusses a Kansas court case that addressed First Amendment rights of students when a book was banned from a school library. Topics include motivation of school board members, students' rights to information versus denial of access to ideas, viewpoint discrimination, and educational suitability. A sidebar presents viewpoints of the book's author.…

Articles of The Bill of Rights, although comprising the fundamental principles of American society, are often opposed by many people on varying grounds. For example, many people support physical abuses by law enforcement officials, even though they might violate constitutional rights. The First Amendment, simple in original wording, has resulted…

First Amendment court decisions have generally been consistent in affirming the rights of students against administrative censorship. Despite these decisions, a review of scholastic and collegiate journals indicates that the constitutional rights of students and their journalism advisers or instructors are clearly and frequently being violated.…

Noting that a deep concern about the suppression of ideas in the public schools of the United States is very much a part of the collective consciousness of the school library profession, the implications of intellectual freedom for school library personnel and for library collection development are explored. The position of the school library in…

News reports issued during the 60 days the Nebraska Legislature was in session between January 4, 1984, and April 9, 1984, and pertinent bills considered by the legislature during that period are the main sources used in this examination of the effort to resolve a conflict between the regulations of the Nebraska State Department of Education and…

The Williamsburg Charter is a celebration and reaffirmation of the religious liberty, or freedom of conscience, granted by the First Amendment of the United States Constitution. It was drafted and signed by more that 150 national leaders and presented to the nation on June 25, 1988, the 200th anniversary of Virginia's call for a bill of rights.…

School board censorship of library books and of curriculum materials and methodology can infringe on fundamental constitutional rights, according to this seventh chapter in a book on school law. In the last decade, cases in federal courts have tended to support the authority of school boards to control library materials. However, board authority…

Examines a U.S. Supreme Court decision upholding the Bethel, Washington, school district in disciplining a student for giving a sexually provocative speech. Cautions against a possible trend toward renewed school emphasis on dress codes and other issues of decorum. (IW)

This inquiry examines the accreditation process for church-related schools under both the establishment and free exercise clauses of the First Amendment and explores how these clauses work together to inform the issue. Included is an examination of the nature and function of the various accrediting agencies. (TE)

Freedom of the press and the extent of constraints upon that freedom are examined. Some recent Supreme Court rulings are discussed. (RM)

This paper stresses the importance of researching, teaching, discussing, practicing, and understanding the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States. The paper also examines what the First Amendment means to students in America's schools and colleges and discusses freedom of expression and censorship for students and student…

Offers a forum that is a student-organized role play addressing the controversy about whether prayer should be allowed in public schools. Expounds that the students are asked to incorporate information provided in this issue of "Update on Law-related Education" with independent research to form opinions on this controversy. (CMK)