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Lesson Plan: Freedom of Speech in Modern America

Ann S. Michaelsen

The Free Speech Recession Deepens Across the Democratic World

‘Rules aren’t clear anymore’: Trump crackdown on student protesters sends shock waves across US universities

Recent events have thrust freedom of speech into the national spotlight, particularly on college campuses. The arrest of pro-Palestinian student protesters at Columbia University and subsequent actions at other institutions have sparked intense debate about the limits of free speech and the role of universities in protecting it. This controversy has led to increased scrutiny of protest policies and raised questions about the balance between free expression and maintaining order on campuses across the United States.

Overview

This lesson plan engages students in a critical examination of the First Amendment’s freedom of speech clause, focusing on recent events that have sparked debates about free speech in the United States. Through analysis of current events, legal cases, and class discussions, students will explore the complexities of balancing free speech with other societal concerns.

Objectives

  • Understand the historical foundations and significance of the First Amendment’s freedom of speech.
  • Analyze recent events affecting free speech rights within the United States.
  • Evaluate the implications of these events on democratic principles and individual liberties.
  • Develop critical thinking skills by assessing diverse perspectives on free speech issues.

Preparation:

  1. Pre-Reading Assignment (Optional): Assign students to read at least two of the articles before class. If time is limited, they can read them in class within their groups.
  2. Grouping: Divide students into five groups. Each group will focus on one of the articles but will also discuss insights from other sources.

Cooperative Learning Activity:

Step 1: Article Analysis (20 minutes)

Each group will be assigned one of the five articles. Within their groups, students will:

  • Identify the main issue regarding free speech in the article.
  • Discuss the stakeholders (e.g., students, government, media, universities).
  • Analyze how free speech is being challenged in the situation.
  • Consider opposing viewpoints on the issue.
  • Summarize their findings in a brief report or a visual chart.

Articles

  1. “Rules aren’t clear anymore’: Trump crackdown on student protesters sends shock waves across US universities” – CNN
  2. ‘A true free-speech emergency’: alarm over Trump’s ‘chilling’ attacks on media, The Guardian
  3. Trump moves to gut Voice of America, US-backed media organization he has long reviled​politico.com
  4. The Case of Mahmoud Khalil, The New Yorker
  5. “Columbia University Cancels In-Person Classes Amid Pro-Palestinian Protests” – The New York Times

Introduction and Case Study Analysis

Introduction to Freedom of Speech

  • Lecture on the First Amendment, emphasizing the freedom of speech clause and its role in a democratic society.
  • Discuss historical contexts where free speech was challenged and upheld.

Case Study Exploration

  • Divide students into small groups and assign each group one of the following recent cases:

  1. Pro-Palestinian protests at Columbia University and other campuses
  2. Debates over content moderation on social media platforms
  3. Controversies surrounding invited speakers on college campuses

  • Provide each group with background information and guiding questions to analyze the case’s implications on free speech.

Group Presentations

  • Each group presents their case analysis, focusing on:

  • The facts of the case
  • The free speech issues involved
  • The societal and legal implications
  • Their perspective on the outcome

 Debates and Reflection

Debate Preparation

  • Assign students to debate teams and provide them with one of the following resolutions:

  1. “Universities should prioritize maintaining order over protecting unrestricted free speech during protests.”
  2. “Social media platforms should be legally required to allow all speech protected by the First Amendment.”
  3. “Colleges have the right to disinvite controversial speakers to maintain campus safety.”

  • Allow teams to research and prepare their arguments, using the provided case studies and additional reputable sources.

Debates

  • Conduct structured debates, allowing each team to present their arguments, rebuttals, and closing statements.
  • Encourage active listening and respectful discourse.

Reflection and Closing Discussion

  • Have students reflect on the debates and share their thoughts on the complexities of balancing free speech with other societal concerns.
  • Discuss the role of various stakeholders (government, private companies, educational institutions) in shaping the landscape of free speech.

Assessment

  • Participation: Evaluate students based on their engagement in group discussions and debates.

  • Written Reflection: Assign a brief essay where students reflect on what they learned about free speech, how their perspectives have evolved, and the challenges of applying First Amendment principles in contemporary contexts.

Extension Activities

  • Research Project: Students can investigate a historical case related to free speech and present how it has shaped current interpretations of the First Amendment.

Conclusion

This lesson plan provides students with a comprehensive understanding of modern free speech issues, particularly in the context of recent campus protests. By examining current events and engaging in debates, students will develop critical thinking skills and a nuanced understanding of the complexities surrounding freedom of speech in today’s society.

Additional Sources

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