Consitutional Connection

It is in the Bill of Rights in Amendment 1: Freedoms of Expression, that all pertinent information on this topic is found. All individuals have the right to express themselves freely. However, one is still held accountable under the law for false and malicious use of words. "Congress shall make no law abridging the freedom of speech." Freedom of speech is not just freedom to speak it is also freedom of expression. You can speak your mind and express yourself however you want as long as in doing so you are not harming or threatening others or doing anything illegal. Nowhere in this amendment does it say anything about schools. Since public schools are federal establishments, they must have a seperation of church and state. This means that students and teachers in public schools are not allowed to preach or talk about religion. This is one restriction of speech in schools that is absolute. Other than this the constitution and the first amendment are open to interpretation for this issue.