The Declaration of Independence was the primary step for the emergence of the United State’s foundation of free rights and liberty. Today, freedom of speech is highly valued in society and has become a factor that defines humans’ natural rights, yet also taken advantage of by many. Although the term “freedom” may have caused common misconceptions with its range of interpretations, it is inevitable that there are characteristics which labels it as an irreplaceable human right. Freedom of speech should be protected, especially in school settings because it raises awareness on controversial topics, promote the exchanges of ideas, and teaches students to express their thoughts. Therefore, I believe that Freedom of speech should not be limited.
Freedom of speech is the right to voice your opinion openly without the fear of consequences. The question of whether a school should limit speech was brought up in the extreme case of Tinker Vs. Des Moines, where students were suspended for wearing black armbands because it symbolized the “mourning for both the Americans and the Vietnamese who had been killed in the war” (Brown 4). Though the students caused no harm to others, they were penalized for expressing their standpoint towards the war, which sparked the ultimate debate of whether the school was violating their right of the first amendment. For a long time, courts were reluctant on resolving the issue in fear that it would upset many, however, this case made it clear that schools had no right in limiting a student’s right to speak their mind. This case made a lasting impact on the school systems and the limitations schools have over students. In a recent example, “thousands of students walked out of their classes to demand an end to gun violence after shooting at a high school in Parkland, Florida, killed 17 people” (Brown 29). Students utilized their rights by protesting gun violence in school without the fear of getting disciplined for their actions. By openly discussing and standing up against gun violence, it raised awareness of the issue that would otherwise not be brought up in school.
Furthermore, freedom of speech in schools offers more opportunities to learn and promote the growth of new ideas. Many of the profound ideas in human history came about because of the sharing of ideas. Historical figures, such as Malcolm X, offered his perspective on topics by publicly “‘addressing issues of how the poor became empowered’” (Whitaker 18). He shamelessly spoke up about racial segregation in hopes to convince and change other’s perspectives on the injustices of the segregation of schools. Arguments made by him brought light to many people and pushed forth the idea to stop racial segregation in schools and develop new laws that would bring equality to all. When schools operate on no limitation of speech, significant exchanges of ideas occur and students are able to bounce ideas off of each other. In many cases, “influences were key” (Whitaker 9) in settling disputes because it allows people to progress and learn from each other. Listening to what others have to say expands your own viewpoint and knowledge about the topic. Students should be allowed to actively participate and state their opinions in classrooms without the fear of being penalized because it offers them a chance to learn and express themselves.
To limit students on what they can and can’t say would be the height of contradiction of teaching them the Declaration of Independence.
