B. Debating the Limits of Online Speech. Schools have to protect students’ right to free speech, but they
also have to protect students from harm. So what do you think: Is it appropriate for schools to punish
students for certain kinds of online speech? For the scenarios below, place a Y for yes and an N for no.
Choose any answer and explain your reasons for it.
A. Speaking the Truth. Use what you learned in the reading to decide which statements are true. Place a T
next to the statement you think is true and an F next to those you think are false.
2. ____ Private companies like social media platforms can’t limit the free speech of the people who use
their products.
3. ____ You have the right to refuse to recite the Pledge of Allegiance at school.
4. ____ Today, the First Amendment applies to the federal, state, and local governments.
5. ____ The First Amendment has been interpreted to mean the government can never pass laws that
limit speech in any way.
6. ____ The American colonies invented the idea of free speech.
7. ____ Speech that starts a riot or makes a serious threat of violence is not protected by the First
Amendment.
A. ____ when sexist or racist comments are posted
about other students
B. ____ when students criticize the administration
and its decisions
C. ____ when students demean or make fun of a
teacher
D. ____ when students post photos or
videos of other students that are revealing
E. ____ when students spread hurtful lies and
rumors about other students
F. ____ when students spread hurtful lies and
rumors about teachers
G. ____ when students post altered photos to create
rude images of students or teachers
H. ____ when students cyberbully other
students
1. N - False. Private companies like social media platforms can limit the free speech of the people who use their products.
2. T - True. You have the right to refuse to recite the Pledge of Allegiance at school.
3. T - True. Today, the First Amendment applies to the federal, state, and local governments.
4. F - False. The First Amendment has been interpreted to mean the government can pass laws that limit speech in certain circumstances.
5. F - False. The American colonies did not invent the idea of free speech.
6. T - True. Speech that starts a riot or makes a serious threat of violence is not protected by the First Amendment.
In terms of whether schools should punish students for certain kinds of online speech, it is appropriate for schools to take action in scenarios A, D, E, G, H where the speech is harmful, potentially dangerous, or crosses the line into cyberbullying. These types of online speech can have serious consequences for the well-being of students and can create a hostile school environment. On the other hand, in scenarios B, C, and F where students are criticizing the administration or making fun of teachers, schools should tread carefully in balancing the protection of free speech rights with maintaining a respectful and inclusive school environment.