What First Amendment free speech cases affect public school students?

Tinker v. Des Moines, 393 US 503 (1969)
The Supreme Court supported students' right to the expression of opinion, even controversial opinion, in the school environment, but did not abrogate the school's right to maintain appropriate order and discipline.

Morse v. Frederick, 551 US ___ (2007)
The Supreme Court held that the First Amendment does not prohibit schools from punishing students for publishing messages about illegal drugs.

Bethel School District No. 403 v. Fraser, 478 US 675 (1986)
The Court held that schools may prohibit the use of vulgar and offensive language, that sexualized speech does not enjoy the same protection as political speech.

Hazelwood School District v. Kuhlmeier, 484 US 260 (1988)
The Court held that public school student newspapers are subject to less First Amendment protection than commercial newspapers, or even student publications established as forums for student expression. Schools may impose restrictions on student newspaper content.


For more information on the Tinker v. Des Moines, (1966) case, see Related Questions, below.