The Pros And Cons Of The First Amendment

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The First Amendment protects our rights inside and outside of school. This means that we can express our opinions, even if they are unpopular or offensive to others, through symbolism and self-expression. For example, on December 16, 1965, 13-year-old Mary Beth Tinker, 15-year-old John Tinker, and 24 other individuals wore black armbands with peace signs to protest the war between the U.S. and North Vietnam. However, school officials didn't react well. "Fearing the armbands would cause arguments and fights on campus, and school officials created a rule banning them." Anyone who wore one would be asked to remove it or be suspended if they refused" (Tinker vs. Des Moines). The school suspended Mary and her brother and five other students because