First Amendment Argumentative Essay

Who knows the First Amendment by heart? Word for word? [Rhetorical Question] I did not and I still do not. I just know that the First Amendment gives us the right to express ourselves, at the right time and place. School should be a safe place where students, like us, can come and feel free to learn and share our opinions without any disruptions or negative comments. If such things are executed in class, it should and will call for suspension. But I am not saying that our rights are taken away when we enter school property, that is far from what I am saying. This important constitutional right that is used in our everyday lives is not absolute. The Supreme Court has gone back and forth, and back and forth [Repetition], trying to come to an agreement about what is a “reasonable” act of expression in school and how far is too far. Now, some may argue that developing such policies of limiting an individual’s ability to express themselves freely is a violation of the First Amendment [Concession][Ethos]. But when a conflict arises about which is more important, protecting the interest of the community or safeguarding the rights of that
Joseph Frederick, now graduated, was 18 when he unveiled a sign reading, “Bong Hits 4 Jesus” (Source H). [Logos] His principal suspended him because the sign was promoting illegal drug use, and was afraid that it might influence other students. The school decision was appropriate because they did not want his poster to negatively impact others’ actions and thoughts. Because he was displaying his poster during school hours and was part of a school sanctioned event, the school qualified immunity from the lawsuit. Although school is a safe place where all opinions should be heard and students are free to express themselves [Concession][Ethos], going against school policies and encouraging illegal behavior is reasonable evidence for