Question

Case A Decision Template

You have chosen to complete the Case A Decision Template. Note—You only have to complete and submit either Case A or Case B for grading.

Your Name: ____ignore this part________________________

Read the case below closely. As you read this case, imagine you are a Supreme Court justice analyzing the case.

Case A
The drama class at a middle school was preparing for their spring play in the school auditorium. One week before the performance, a parent complained to the school board that the play was inappropriate for middle school students. The school board agreed and contacted the principal, who then informed the classes that the show was canceled. Students were upset that their preparations were a waste. They believe they have the right to freedom of expression in performing the play. The school board said that students are minors and that it must approve decisions about what is presented in school by teachers or students. The students did not have time to plan a different show. A group of the students' parents brought the case to court on their behalf, but they lost the case in state district court. The students' parents appealed the district court's decision to their state court of appeals. There the students and their parents won the case, but the school board appealed the decision to their state-level supreme court. The state supreme court ruled in favor of the school board. Unhappy with the state supreme court's decision, the students' parents are now appealing to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Step 1: Answer the following questions in complete sentences.
What is this case about?

How is this case similar to the Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier case?

Which type of expression listed in the First Amendment relates to this case?

Step 2: Make your Decision
Now it's time to pretend you are a judge! Explain, like a judge, your thoughts on the case and why you feel this way. For each question you should explain your answer in at least two to three complete sentences.

Why did the school board believe they had the right to cancel the play?

Why did the students believe they had the right to perform the play?

Should the students be allowed to perform their school play? Why or why not? Give three reasons to support your decision. At least one of your reasons should be based on what you learned about the Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier case.

Reason #1:

Reason #2:

Reason #3:

Answer 1

Step 1: Answer the following questions in complete sentences.

• What is this case about?

Due to complaints from a parent, the school board cancelled a middle school drama class' spring play one week before the performance. During the production of the play, the students and their parents believed that they should have freedom of expression, and the school board believed that they should be able to control what is presented in school.

• How is this case like the Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier case?

The case has a similar focus on student expression and school officials' role in censorship to the Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier case.

• Which type of expression listed in the First Amendment relates to this case?

In this case, freedom of speech is protected by the First Amendment.

Step 2: Make your Decision

Now it's time to pretend you are a judge! Explain, like a judge, your thoughts on the case and why you feel this way. For each question you should explain your answer in at least two to three complete sentences.

• Why did the school board believe they had the right to cancel the play?

Since they felt the play was inappropriate for middle school students, they believed that their authority extended to approving what teachers and students present in school.

• Why did the students believe they had the right to perform the play?

Due to their belief in freedom of expression, the students believed they had the right to perform the play.

• Should the students be allowed to perform their school play?

I believe that the students should be allowed to perform their school play.

Why or why not? Give three reasons to support your decision. At least one of your reasons should be based on what you learned about the Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier case.

o Reason #1: The play was canceled by the school board without giving the students enough time to plan a different performance. This is unfair to the students who have prepared for the original play with time and effort.

o Reason #2: According to the First Amendment, students are protected from censorship. This would mean that they could do the school play to express themselves.

o Reason #3: According to the Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier case, school officials can censor student expression in school-sponsored activities only if it is reasonably related to legitimate pedagogical concerns. In this instance, the school board's decision to cancel the play based on a parent's complaint without taking into account the rights of the students do not appear to be related to any legitimate pedagogical concerns.

Step-by-step explanation:

I hope this helps :)