Free Expression In Schools

When three students showed up to school wearing black armbands to protest the war in Vietnam, they were asked to remove the bands. They were suspended when they refused to take off the arm bands. Their parents sued the school district because they believed the students right of free speech had been altered. Although the First Amendment does protect the right of free speech, protection must be balanced with order in the school. The Supreme Court sided with the students when it was recognized that the free expression did not affect classroom work. I agree with the outcome because as long as students aren’t affecting their work environment they should be able to express themselves the way they wish to.