Who are they? Mary Beth Tinker, John Tinker, and Christopher Eckhart:
Mary Beth Tinker was one of the plaintiffs in a landmark students' rights case called Tinker v. Des Moines Independent School District, which involved the freedom of speech.
In 1965, Des Moines, Iowa residents John F. Tinker (15 years old), John's younger sister Mary Beth Tinker (13 years old), and their friend Christopher Eckhardt (16 years old) decided to wear black armbands to their schools (high school for John and Christopher, junior high for Mary Beth) in protest of the Vietnam War and supporting the Christmas Truce called for by Senator Robert F. Kennedy.
Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes:
An American jurist who served as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States from 1902 to 1932.
Justice Abe Fortas:
Was a U.S. Supreme Court associate justice from 1965 to 1969.
Justice Hugo Black:
Was an American politician and jurist. A member of the Democratic Party, Black represented Alabama in the United States Senate from 1927 to 1937, and served as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States from 1937 to 1971.
Why is it important? Bill of Rights:
The Bill of Rights limited government's role and gave the individual certain rights that neither the government nor majority could infringe on.
First Amendment:
Our First Amendment protects our right to free exercise of religion, our freedom of speech, the freedom of the press, and limit the right to peaceably assemble, etc.
"Tinker Standard":
It represented the first time the US Supreme Court ruled on a case involving the First Amendment freedom of speech in the school environment.
Confederate flag:
It was the official flag of the CSA (Confederate States of America) as the US flag is for the US today. Now days it has become a symbol of southern heritage.
Focus Question: Should students be allowed to display the Confederate flag in school?
I think students should be allowed to display the Confederate Flag in school because it was the first flag of our country. Everyone has freedom and they should have the freedom to display the Confederate Flag if they choose.
What have you learned in the Background Movies that will help you answer the question?
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