As you read this case, imagine you are a Supreme Court justice analyzing the case. By the end of the reading you should be able to determine the following things: What type of expression found in the First Amendment relates to the case?
What is this case really about? Why does each side believe they are right?
How this case is similar to the Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier 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? This case is about the school board canceling a school play that the students believed they had the right to perform. The school board’s defense is that the play was not approved by them and that it was inappropriate.

How is this case similar to the Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier case?
The Hazelwood v Kuhlmeier case was about the principal deleting pages of a school newspaper. The reason that was deleted was that he felt that the anonymity of the people they were writing about was not sufficient.

Which type of expression listed in the First Amendment relates to this case?
The school board’s defense is that the play was not approved by them and that it was inappropriate.
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? Because the school board believed that the play was inappropriate

Why did the students believe they had the right to perform the play? They believe that they have the right to freedom of expression in performing 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. I believe they should because as they said they have the right to freedom of expression in performing the play

Reason #1:The reason that the school board felt that they had a right to cancel the play was that they would perform it on school grounds, therefore any inappropriate actions would deem the school liable.

Reason #2: The reason that the students felt they had a right of performing the play was that they felt that through the play, they express themselves.

Reason #3: they have a certain authority over what events can take place on their property

Do you think the school should be allowed to censor the material of a school play or school newspaper? Why or why not? Be sure to use what you know about the First Amendment to support your answer.
Step 3: Share and Improve
Share your work with a trusted adult. Does he or she think you supported your case decision with enough detail? Does he or she have any other insight about the case you may not have considered? You can improve your work by making changes or additions.
Who did you share your work with, and what comments did he or she give you?

Did you make changes to improve your work? Briefly list the changes, such as “added detail about First Amendment” or “fixed spelling errors.”