Question

• 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.

Answer 1

Step-by-step explanation:

Various variables and considerations affect whether children should be permitted to perform in their school play. Here are three arguments in favour of letting pupils act in their school play:

1. Support for Freedom of Expression and Creativity: Enabling pupils to act in their school play fosters their ability to express themselves and be creative. Students get the chance to explore their artistic interests, demonstrate their abilities, and express themselves via acting, singing, and storytelling in school plays. Students can gain self-assurance, collaboration, and communication skills by taking part in plays. Supporting students' right to perform fosters a varied and inclusive learning environment where they may express themselves without restraint.

2. Educational and Learning Experiences: Plays in the classroom provide worthwhile educational and learning opportunities. By examining various plays and characters, they provide students the chance to dive deeply into literature, history, and society. Participating in a play enables students to improve their ability to do research, decipher texts, analyse characters, and comprehend a variety of topics and ideas. Additionally, it improves critical thinking skills and public speaking and presentation ability. Giving students the opportunity to participate in such experiential learning promotes holistic development and enhances their academic experience.

3. The Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier Case set a precedent: The Supreme Court addressed the topic of student expression in a school context in the Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier case. As long as they have a legitimate instructional purpose, the court decided that schools had the right to control school-sponsored events and publications in this case. It's crucial to remember that this case did not specifically address school plays and was instead largely concerned with the environment of the school newspaper. In order to determine any constraints or restrictions, it is essential to take the educational value and significance of such events into account, even if schools may have some ability to govern school plays. It's crucial to understand that every setting might be different, and schools should consider their unique situations and rules while making judgements concerning school plays. Age-appropriate material, cultural sensitivity, and student safety are a few examples of factors that should be considered. Establishing rules and ensuring a pleasant and enriching experience for everyone engaged may be achieved by open communication and collaboration between school administration, instructors, students, and parents.

Answer 2

Yes, the students should be allowed to perform their school play. The play is not harmful, and it is likely to be educational for the students involved. The school should respect the students' First Amendment rights and allow them to express themselves freely.

Here are three reasons to support my decision:

• The students have a First Amendment right to freedom of expression. This right includes the right to express controversial or sensitive ideas.
• The school play is not "school-sponsored" or "curricular." This means that the school does not have a legitimate interest in censoring it.
• The play is likely to be educational for the students involved. It will give them the opportunity to learn about different cultures and perspectives.

In the Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier case, the Supreme Court ruled that school officials can censor student speech that is "school-sponsored" or "curricular."

However, the Court also ruled that school officials cannot censor student speech that is "personal" or "non-curricular." The school play is not "school-sponsored" or "curricular," so the school does not have a legitimate interest in censoring it.