The constitution protects some of the rights of both the students and the teachers. However, as we saw in the many cases and protests, there are many ways those rights could be violated. A big one is freedom of speech, as seen in the Tinker v de moins when students wore a black band in protest of the Vietnam war. Students should be able to express their opinions and what they believe in. That way, they create a school environment where they feel safe and ready to learn. Another big one was the Brown v board where they fought about segregation in transportation. We want our students to feel respected and equal to their peers regardless of their gender, culture, religion, etc. These protests have made history and changed how we are today. Teachers also deserve equality and a fair amount of pay for all the hard work they do. They should be treated as the professionals they are by the students, parents, and peers. Everyone has the right to speak up for themselves and receive what they deserve.
Hey Alexis! Nice post. I like how you brought up Tinker V. Des Moins and how it was an example of student's freedom of speech being dismissed. The students had an opinion and wanted to express it freely because it's what they believed in, it wasn't hurting anyone! The school had no right to threaten suspension for it. When schools shut down beliefs or don't create a safe space for students to express themselves in, then the students may feel unsafe and not want to go to school anymore. Also, you're right about teachers. They deserve fair pay for all they do it's sad that they have to fight to be compensated for their hard work. Where would we be today without teachers?
ReplyDeleteExactly! peaceful protest is a big way to show what the students support and grab the attention of the intended. Its hard as is to motivate kids to stay in school, it would be easier if they felt comfortable in the environment. Teachers deserve the praise and are the ones who shape the future generations. Without them, we wouldn't be where we are today, and that's something to be grateful for.
DeleteHi Alexis, thank you for posting! It was interesting to learn about the different cases and how they determine which rights are suitable for teachers and students. For example, there seems to be no sort of regard for the students rights, or in this situation, even basic human rights towards Black students in the Brown V Board case when these students are supposed to be "protected." I believe it is important that we defend student right's so that these cruel instances don't reoccur. I really like how you mentioned the way these rights make students feel, because in the end every child deserves a chance to have a voice in their classroom and feel as if they are as valued as their peers. As future teachers we must continue to fight for the rights of students and other educators so no one feels their views are invalid or that they are lesser than their peers. Great post!
ReplyDeleteIt seems like everyone has a different definition of rights, and that's why its important to show the reality of individual rights. I am hoping to be that support for students and help make the school environment a safe one.
DeleteHi Alexis! I love the points that you made in this blog post. I like how you were able to bring in the court cases to help us further understand your point. I feel as though rights extend beyond the amendments that we are taught in history class. Of course, those are the basis for which we should fight for. Beyond that, I feel as though students should have the right to a safe and secure environment to learn. This brings up the case of Ingraham v. Wright in 1977. A boy by the name of James was an eighth grader and his teacher found his to be disruptive. he was then held down and received 20 swats. He had bruises for longer than a week and had to receive medical attention. When the case was taken to the Supreme Court, they sided against James and only suggested that teachers be careful with the amount of force that they use. This is shocking beyond belief as that is not a secure environment for a child and causes more damage than good. As you said, everyone has the right to receive justice and what they deserve.
ReplyDeleteI agree! we are taught some basic rights, but it wasn't till later that we realized the real life issues we could face. That's a cruel punishment, and cases like that are the reason we have to stand up for each other. People will abuse their rights as well as ours.
DeleteHi Alexis! I think you made some really great points in your post. I loved how you referenced specific cases that pertained to the question. I think it is so important that we as future educators familiarize ourselves with these rights so we know when to speak up if something seems wrong. We should also push our students to use their voices in times of wrong doings. With our help I think we can contribute greatly in shaping a new caring and supportive generation. School should most definitely be a safe space for kids and when we use our voices to speak up for what we believe in then we are creating a better environment for everyone! Everyone has the right to fair treatment and you couldn't have said that better in your post. Well done!
ReplyDelete-Catarina
I wish to teach my future students about what they can stand up for, so they can protect them selves and others. This also does create a society of helping each other out and it builds the students character. Thank you!
DeleteHi Alexis, I am completely on board with you here. I think that you made some amazing points in your post, and provided great evidence behind your statements. One thing that I really enjoyed was the fact that you talked about times where students would do a "silent protest" type of activity. In my school district growing up as a student body we were not able to do things like this unless they were school approved, and this was an issue sometimes because of the prosses and all the hoops that we had to jump through. I is important that we support our students freedom of speech so that they don't feel trapped in a setting that is meant for learning and growth.
ReplyDeleteSilence can sometimes have the greatest impact. I understand the restraint from school because of violence that could occur and other issues. However, there are ways around it, silencing the students voice should not be an option. Especially if it is over something they feel is worth fighting for.
DeleteThank you! I thought those cases were a great representation of our rights. I can see how each situation is different, but in the end, we need the respect we deserve. Students look up to teachers, so how can students follow their example, if they aren't allowed their rights.
ReplyDeleteHi Alexis! I enjoyed reading your blog post for giving us a brief overview of the legal issues our society has gone through for the past years. Even though we are not living that very harsh life anymore we are still going through segregation, who is allowed to speak up, and respect in general when it comes to what makes us. An example that I would like to share where segregation is still a problem is in the city of Austin. In Austin we have South, North, East, and West Austin and in each of these regions the environment of the schools are completely different from each other. Most of the time a lot of these schools lack resources for the reason of freedom of speech. A lot of students, parents, and even teachers feel like they do not have the power to speak up all because of hierarchy in race, status, and income. I would gladly like to know if you have experienced any of the things I’ve mentioned. Anyways, thank you for sharing :))
ReplyDeleteHi Alexis! I really enjoyed reading your post, and including the legal issues that we have gone through as a society. We need to speak up about the issues that happens in our society. We as future educators need to show our students they should stand up for what they believe in due to it being a right as a human being.I agree that teachers should get equality and a fair amount of pay, teachers deal with a lot on a daily basis. Some people look down on teachers due to them believing that teaching isn't hard and that they don't do anything except sit at a desk all day. I believe that without teachers, we would be deprived of learning and we wouldn't be here where we are today.
ReplyDeleteHello Alexis! I think freedom of speech is one of the most important rights to protect when it comes to our students. As you mentioned, we need to respect the beliefs of all of our students in order to create an environment where they are comfortable and excited to learn. I found out recently in one of my other courses that if students do not feel safe, whether it be due to a teacher or peers, they are completely unable to process new information. The body is so focused on the activation of the fight, flight, or freeze response that learning actually becomes impossible. That being said, it is vital that we foster personal connections with each and every one of our students to create a space that is both inviting and encouraging. The basis of any close relationship is mutual respect. Respecting students enough to support them in their self expression will make a world of a difference in the classroom experience. I believe that the only limitations that should be placed on a students freedom of speech are in regards to hate speech that adversely affects other individuals. If speech is being weaponized to hurt others, I think there should be certain consequences, or at least rules, set in place to address the behavior.
ReplyDeleteHi Alexis! I do believe we need to respect each students beliefs. As well as teachers, I feel like for teachers they are expected to be unbiased but they should still have an opinion. I feel like teachers should start off as unbiased like when leading discussion but at the end state their opinion but make sure students know to respect opinions different from theirs. Students should also be allowed to express their beliefs. I remember seeing a post on Tik Tok that showed a student being disciplined for their Mexican flag. This was infuriating to me since American flags are displayed literally everywhere. Freedom of speech should be respected in schools in my opinion.
ReplyDeleteHello Alexis. I couldn't agree more with what you had to say! As a teacher I find it so important that I ensure all of my students feel safe and welcomed in their school environment. I want them to feel safe sharing their thoughts and giving their opinions, etc. I am so happy to see that this is so important to you! You're going to be a great teacher!
ReplyDeleteHi Alexis,
ReplyDeleteI agree that it is extremely important to protect students rights. Every student deserves to be treated equally. Students should be able to feel comfortable in the classroom at all times. School should be a safe place for students to be able to talk about anything they need to and not feel judged for it. Some students do not have a great home life so it is important for them to be able to come to school and be surrounded by people that are welcoming and accepting! Another thing that I agreed with from your post is what you said about teachers deserving equality and an equal pay. Society overlooks teachers and makes them feel like they are not important. Teachers are educating the future generations of doctors and lawyers. Being a teacher is an extremely important job and it deserves to be paid more. Great job on this post!
Hi Alexis
ReplyDeleteI agree I think that we as teachers don't get as much respect for what we do, especially when planning to work in the elementary setting, I've heard many people referring to it as babysitting. When in reality successful minds start in these classrooms. As well as for the students most in middle and high school classrooms, students are begging to understand their world and society. They should be able to participate in expressing their views and ideas. Not only will it help students feel welcome and accepted at school, but they may also even find more people to connect with.