Learning Objectives

  • Identify that "free speech" is protected by the First Amendment.
  • Define hate speech and anti-Semitism.
  • Describe different types of speech that are and are not protected by the First Amendment according to the Supreme Court.
  • Explain how the Supreme Court has ruled regarding hate speech and First Amendment free speech protections.
  • Identify and extract arguments from written texts.

Overview

What does the phrase “freedom of speech” really mean? This lesson outlines the types of speech the First Amendment does and does not protect. Students also examine the Supreme Court’s rulings regarding hate speech in five historic cases. After analyzing the decisions, students apply the Court’s reasoning to the issue of student speech codes on college campuses. The lesson also serves as springboard for a class discussion on these controversial questions: Do speech codes violate students’ First Amendment rights? Should public colleges allow hate groups to recruit on campus?

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