How have the courts shaped the issue of student speech over time? Consider changes in society as you discuss different court cases.

Courts have begun to make freedom of speech more restricted in public schools due to outside problems such as drugs, threats, and riots (represented in the cases Tinker V. Des Moines, Bethel V. Fraser, J.S v. Bethlehem area school district, and Morse V. Fredrick.) Due to these outbursts, courts have begun to restrict speech that is a distraction to the school and school staff.

Explanation:

*The First Amendment applies to all levels of government, including public schools. Although the courts have permitted school officials to limit the rights of students under some circumstances, the courts have also recognized that students — like all citizens — are guaranteed the rights protected by the First Amendment.

*What is the landmark case about and how was this amendment upheld? This was a landmark case that recognized segregated schools as unconstitutional. This overturned Plessy vs. Ferguson which allowed segregation in public schools.

*The U.S. Supreme Court has said that students “do not shed their constitutional rights to freedom of speech and expression at the schoolhouse gate.” ... Though public school students do possess First Amendment freedoms, the courts allow school officials to regulate certain types of student expression.