Question

Considering Dr. King’s statement, should Townsend Harris students swear to “resist anyone who…disobeys [the law]”?

Answer 1

Townsend Harris students should critically evaluate laws in the context of justice and morality, as per Dr. King's philosophy and other civil rights activists' examples, before deciding to resist those disobeying the law.

Step-by-step explanation:

Based on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s philosophy, Townsend Harris students should consider their moral obligation when deciding whether to swear to “resist anyone who…disobeys [the law].” Dr. King advocated for civil disobedience in the face of unjust laws. Like Dr. King, civil rights figures such as Medgar Evers and Rosa Parks recognized that while the government may be legitimate, not all laws are just, and it's essential to oppose such laws with nonviolent resistance. The historic events at Woolworth's lunch counter, the broader context of the Civil Rights Movement, and the teachings of Gandhi underline that civil disobedience is a way to address systemic injustices that are enshrined in law.

Further, as expressed by civil rights activist John Lewis, it is important to get into 'good trouble' when necessary to challenge injustice. Historical precedents set during the Civil Rights Movement provide a clear template for legal opposition that is peaceful yet firm. Based on these examples, students must weigh the justice of laws and the moral imperative to seek change against a blanket commitment to uphold all laws, just or unjust. This question also alludes to court decisions that have upheld individual rights over governmental demands, suggesting that personal conscience and the nature of specific laws need to be considered in deciding obedience.

Answer 2

While respecting the legitimacy of the government, there is a moral duty to oppose unjust laws, as emphasized by Dr. King and other civil rights leaders who practiced nonviolent protest and civil disobedience.

Step-by-step explanation:

Considering Dr. Martin Luther King's involvement in the civil rights movement, the act of swearing to resist anyone who disobeys the law is a complex issue. From the perspective of Dr. King and other activists like John Lewis, who endorsed nonviolent protest and civil disobedience, there is a clear distinction between just and unjust laws. According to this viewpoint, it is not only the right but also the responsibility of individuals to disobey unjust laws that infringe upon human rights and perpetuate inequality.

The idea of civil disobedience has a significant historical precedent, as demonstrated by figures like Rosa Parks, whose refusal to give up her seat on a bus was an act of defiance against racially discriminatory laws. The U.S. Supreme Court's decision that forced individuals to recite the Pledge of Allegiance was deemed unconstitutional, highlighting the principle that citizens cannot be compelled to support opinions that contradict their beliefs or rights.

In summary, while the legitimacy of the government as an institution may be recognized, the moral duty to oppose and resist unjust laws remains a foundational aspect of democratic society, as emphasized by historical civil rights movements and leaders.