No Freedom of Speech in School
No free speech in the classroom?
The first amendment “prohibits the making of any law respecting an establishment of religion, impeding the free exercise of religion, abridging the freedom of speech.” So here’s the question – do we lose all of our rights of free speech and exercise of religion the moment we step on government property?
Out of fear of offending – we now restrict free speech. Imposing religion is absolutely wrong – but seriously – we’re not seeking to be England that had the church run the state. But does a 6th grader no longer have the right to openly share about herself and her faith in class?
When a 6th grader was asked to give a powerpoint presentation “All About Me” with an inspirational saying she chose her inspiration saying as a Bible verse John 3:16 – but her teacher and the school told her she was not allowed to share the verse or her faith in class. Her parents and the Liberty Institute are now threatening to challenge the school for stifling free speech and freedom of religion. You can read the whole story here:
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/2015/05/21/sixth-grader-wanted-to-include-john-316-in-a-powerpoint-assignment-her-teachers-alleged-response-has-her-parents-threatening-to-sue/
My thoughts – Millennials are deemed to be the most open and diverse generation in history and I hope and pray that our acceptance and diversity is used to promote more freedom of speech and thought and not less. I hope we stand up for a little girls beliefs – or anyone’s beliefs for that matter – even if its not our own. I hope we are not so bigoted to think that everyone and every presentation is the same. Because they are not. Freedom of speech – freedom of expression – freedom of religion – should not end on government property. It’s the principle of liberty and freedom that are being thrown aside in the classroom and trampled.
