Tinker v. Des Moines: Graphic Organizer
Directions: play the interactive game. As you move through the different stations, fill out the graphic
organizer. These notes will be very helpful when you write your argument.
Station 1: The First Amendment
Review: The first amendment protects five basic rights, the freedom of ______________________, the
freedom of _____________________, the freedom of the ____________________, freedom to
_____________________________, and freedom to __________________________.
What are some ways you can express your opinions that are considered speech?
What types of speech does the amendment not protect?
Station 2: Facts of the Case
The Tinkers and Eckhardt were suspended because...
Whose idea was it to wear the armbands? (circle one): the students
or
the parents
Write down two arguments for each side:
The school should suspend the students
because...
The students should not be suspended
because...
Historical Context: Name two important events in American history that were occuring at the same
time as the students’ protests.
1. _______________________________________________ 2. ____________________________________________
What case determined that speech is not only spoken words but symbols and actions?
S________________________________________ v. C________________________________________
Station 3: The Search for Precedents
What is a precedent? (Hint: use the dictionary.)
Write down some precedents that the students can use to argue their case:
Station 4: The Courts
In Tinker v. Des Moines, who are the Tinkers? (circle one):
Plaintiff
or
Respondent
Station 5: Arguments
Read each argument and decide where it belongs by putting an “T” in the box for Tinkers or “DM”
in the box for Des Moines Iowa School Board. Check your work by playing the game.
Supports the...
Arguments
If schools have concerns, they should not wait to act until after a disturbance
occurs.
The U.S. Supreme Court said the Bill of Rights is not only for adults when the court
gave juveniles most of the same rights guaranteed to adult criminal defendants
(In re Gault, 1967).
The U.S. Supreme Court said that fear of the reaction to controversial speech is
not a reason to restrict it (Terminiello v. Chicago, 1949).
Across the country, Vietnam War protests were causing great turmoil. The
friends of a former student who was killed in the war may have reacted unfavorably to the protest.
The U.S. Supreme Court said a state can control the use of its property for lawful
purposes when it upheld protesters' convictions for refusing to leave a driveway
(Adderley v. Florida, 1966).
It was a silent, peaceful protest that did not disrupt the school or infringe on the
rights of others.
An amicus curiae brief filed by the U.S. National Student Association, composed
of college student governments said that allowing more freedoms to students
would get them ready for college and make them better citizens.
If students who broke the rule on armbands are not punished, other students will
believe they can get away with breaking rules, too.
A federal appeals court said a school could bar "freedom buttons" protesting
racial segregation because it proved the buttons were disruptive (Blackwell v.
Issaquena County Board of Education, 1966).
The U.S. Supreme Court said protection of constitutional freedoms is "nowhere
more vital" than in schools. (Keyshian v. Board of Regents, 1967)
Station 6: Word Wizardry
Write the number of words you got correct: _________
Station 7: The Supreme Court
Go back to your arguments from Station 5. If an argument is cited in the actual case, put a star next
to it.
What was the final ruling for the actual case?