The NPR Politics Podcast The Docket: "Mean Girls" Meets The Supreme Court
Apr 27, 2021
Walter Dellinger, a renowned constitutional scholar and former Solicitor General, dives into the intricacies of the Tinker case and its implications for student free speech. The discussion centers on a significant Supreme Court case involving a cheerleader's Snapchat post that questions the limits of personal expression in school settings. Dellinger highlights how the ruling may reshape the landscape of student rights amidst the challenges of digital communication and social media, ultimately aiming to balance First Amendment freedoms with school authority.
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The Case of Brandy Levy
- 14-year-old cheerleader Brandy Levy was suspended for a Snapchat post.
- She posted a photo giving the middle finger and criticizing her school and sports teams.
Tinker v. Des Moines
- Mary Beth Tinker protested the Vietnam War by wearing a black armband at school.
- The Supreme Court upheld her right to protest, establishing students' free speech rights.
Digital Age Free Speech
- Schools struggle to balance student free speech with disciplinary actions, especially online.
- Courts haven't provided clear guidance on off-campus speech and its impact on schools.