This past friday's debate was based around the questions "When should schools have the power to restrict students of their constitutional right to free speech? When should they not?
The main example that was discussed was the Bethel School District vs. Fraser case. Matthew Fraser, a student at Bethel High School delivered a speech that was deemed "inappropriate". One of his friends was running for student body representative and Fraser gave a supportive speech that was filled with sexual innuendoes. The school thought this was inappropriate and wanted to punish Fraser for his language.
However, one can question just how he can be punished. Students are protected by the first amendment, just like all other citizens, and Fraser did not say any words that shouldn't be allowed in school. Instead, he just alluded to them. According to the school's disciplinary code, Fraser broke the rules and was punished for his actions.
The whole article, including the charges and what exactly Fraser did wrong is posted below.
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