Resources for Teaching About
The First Amendment
By Paula A. Nessel
2000
Books
Exploring the Constitution: Freedom of Speech, Press, and Assembly, by Darien McWhirter
Part of a series for young adults, this book reviews the 19th Century discussion of the right to free speech as background to 20th Century Supreme Court decisions. It proceeds to explore modern interpretations applications of freedom of speech, press, and assembly; discusses and provides excerpts from significant Supreme Court decisions; and raises questions for discussion. Includes a glossary, bibliography, and full text of the Constitution. (1994) $29.95 Contact: Oryx Press, 800/279-6799.
Exploring the Constitution: The Separation of Church and State, by Darien McWhirter
Part of a series for young adults, this book explains the evolution of the concept of the separation of church and state, explores the interpretations and applications of the law, discusses and provides excerpts from significant Supreme Court decisions, and raises questions for discussion. Includes a glossary, bibliography, and full text of the Constitution and AA Bill for Establishing Religious Freedom in Virginia." (1994) $34.50 Contact: Oryx Press, 800/279-6799.
The First Amendment: Freedom of Speech, Religion, and the Press, by Leah Farish
Intended for ages 11 and up, this book examines the historical background of the First Amendment and the meaning of each of its parts. Addresses current controversies and cases relevant to the First Amendment and provides full text of the Constitution and Bill of Rights and a glossary and bibliography. (1998) $18.95 Contact: Enslow Publishers, Inc., 44 Fadem Rd., Box 699, Springfield, NJ 07081, 973/379-8890
Freedom, Fairness & Equality
Freedom of expression and religion are among the rights explained through easily understood background research about Constitutional case law. Intended for both teachers and lawyers acting as resources to the classroom, this book uses case summaries and text to discuss historically significant information and recent Supreme Court decisions. (1994) $12.00 Contact: Phi Alpha Delta Public Service Center, P.O. Box 3217, Granada Hills, CA 91394-0217, 818/368-8103, Email: padpscla" aol.com.
Booklets/Pamphlets
American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has a variety of "briefing papers" suitable for high school and above and "briefers" aimed at high school students. Topics include: "Church and State," "Hate Speech on Campus," "Your Right to Express Yourself Freely," and "Your Right to Religious Liberty." Contact: 800/775-ACLU or find them free on World Wide Web at www.aclu.org .
"The First Amendment: The Amendment That Keeps Us Free"
An 8-page booklet explaining each of the freedoms itemized in the amendment. (publication #93-F03) Free. Contact: The Freedom Forum First Amendment Center at Vanderbilt University, 1207 18th Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37212, 615/321-9588
"Parent's Guide to Religion in the Public Schools."
Uses questions and answers to help parents understand the religious liberty rights of students and the appropriate role of religion in the public school curriculum. Free, in limited quantities. Contact: The Freedom Forum First Amendment Center at Vanderbilt University, 1207 18th Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37212, 615/321-9588
"Religious Freedom: Belief, Practice, and the Public Interest."
Part of the Public Issues Series, this booklet (order no. 358-6) and its Teacher=s Guide (order no. 359-4), are intended to help students analyze and discuss the dilemmas related to the issue of religious freedom. Beginning with a definition of religion, the booklet then describes the historical background of religious freedom and reviews significant relevant Supreme Court cases. (1991) $3.00 student; $2.00 teacher. Contact: Social Science Education Consortium, 5541 Central #205, PO Box 21270, Boulder, CO 80308-4270, 303/492-8154
"Teaching About Freedom: A Teacher's Guide to the First Amendment"
A 23-page booklet with teaching ideas, discussion questions, and classroom handouts. (publication #94-W28) Free. Contact: The Freedom Forum, 800/830-3733
Curricula/Lessons
"Advertising and Free Speech"
Students balance a corporation's right to free speech versus the state's right to regulate commercial speech.. (#30110C9) $5.95 Contact: Constitutional Rights Foundation, 800/488-4CRF.
Constitutional Rights of Juveniles and Students: Lessons on Sixteen Supreme Court Cases
Introduces students to landmark cases on religion and the establishment clause, freedom of expression, due process and other rights of the accused and equal protections of the laws. (1994) $10.00 Contact: ERIC Clearinghouse for Social Studies/Social Science Education, 800/266-3815.
Education for Freedom
Lessons on the First Amendment by the First Amendment Congress for both elementary (K-6) and secondary (6-12) levels. The newest version includes lessons on cyberspace and the separation of church and state. Contact: The Freedom Forum First Amendment Center at Vanderbilt University, 1207 18th Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37212, 615/321-9588.
The First Amendment: America's Blueprint for Tolerance
Uses historical and modern examples to explore the First Amendment and three of its most important rights -- freedom of religion, of speech, and of the press. (1995) #B1551-95 student text $7.95; #B1554-95 teacher's resource $14.95. Contact: Close Up Foundation, 800/765-3131
"Freedom of Expression in Special Places"
Explains that schools, military bases, and prisons are places where the First Amendment presents special problems and analyzes how the First Amendment applies to school newspapers, using Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier in the discussion. Contact: Margaret Fisher, Office of Administrator for Courts, 1206 Quince St, Olympia, WA 98504-1170 or download from Web site: www.wa.gov/courts/educate/home.htm
From the School Newsroom to the Courtroom
Contains a series of interactive lessons on the First Amendment's protection of free expression, taking an in-depth view of the landmark 1987 Supreme Court decision of Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier, in which three high school seniors took their principal to court over censorship of the school newspaper. (1989) $7.95 (#50030C9) Contact: Constitutional Rights Foundation, 800/488-4CRF.
Lesson Plan of the Month
- "Is There Room for the Menorah, a Nativity Scene and Other Religious Symbols in the Classroom?" Series V, No. 4 (1996)
- "Newly Free to Hate" Series I, No. 4 (1992)
- "To Pray or Not to Pray" Series III, No. 2 (1994)
- "A Religion? Or a Cult? What's the Difference? And What Rights Do Religious Cults Have?" Series V, No. 8 (1997)
- "Rock & Roll and Freedom of Speech" Series I, No. 3 (1992)
- ATV, or Not TV: Cameras in the Court" Series IV, No. 4 (1995)
Each classroom activity is accompanied by issues for discussion, additional activities, relevant law, and key concepts and vocabulary. $3.00 each. Contact: Phi Alpha Delta PSC, P.O. Box 3217, Granada Hills, CA 91394-0217, 818/368-8103, Email: padpscla@aol.com
"Religion in the Schools"
Identifies the requirements of the Equal Access Act and the tension between the First Amendment's Free Exercise Clause and the Establishment Clause and then uses role play to address the difficulties faced by administrators in deciding whether or not to permit noncurriculum-related groups to meet on campus. Contact: Margaret Fisher, Office of Administrator for Courts, 1206 Quince St, Olympia, WA 98504-1170 or download from Web site: www.wa.gov/courts/educate/home.htm
A Teacher's Guide to the Bill of Rights Poster Series
A collection of lessons for elementary, middle, and high school students to learn about Bill of Rights concepts portrayed in a series of posters (see posters below). [The lessons can be used independent of the posters.] The First Amendment topics addressed are freedom of religion, freedom of speech, and the right to assemble. (1991) PC#497-0029 $5.00 Contact: American Bar Association, 800/285-2221
Tolerance for Diversity of Beliefs: A Secondary Curriculum Unit
Explores issues associated with freedom of belief and expression. Addresses freedom of speech and minority rights through case studies, role playing, simulations, and mock interviews. (1993) Order no. 374-8. $17.95 Contact: Social Science Education Consortium, 5541 Central #205, PO Box 21270, Boulder, CO 80308-4270, 303/492-8154
Mock Trials
"Hudson v. The Washington Post"
The issue is whether the best interests of a child and a father's right to custody outweigh a reporter's and newspaper's right to maintain the confidentiality of their sources. (PC#317-0120) $4.00 Contact: American Bar Association, 800/285-2221
"Jefferson and Paine v. Liberty High School"
At issue -- does a school sponsored newspaper merit the same freedom of the press/First Amendment protections as does a regular newspaper? $5.00 Contact: Marilyn Cover, Classroom Law Project, 6318 SW Corbett Ave., Portland, OR 97201-3606, 503/245-8707, Email: cover@lclark.edu
"People v. Bell"
Conflict between townspeople and a newcomer religious group results in charges of incitement and arson. (#70020C9) $3.95 Contact: Constitutional Rights Foundation, 800/488-4CRF
"People v. Stover"
A private security guard's actions during an alleged bread-in raise issues about use of force, freedom of expression, and the elements of a hate crime. (#70019C9) $3.95 Contact: Constitutional Rights Foundation, 800/488-4CRF
"People v. Willow"
The distribution of an alternative newspaper and an exchange in a parking lot lead to charges of selling drugs and inducing a minor to take drugs. (#70016C9) $3.95 Contact: Constitutional Rights Foundation, 800/488-4CRF
Periodicals
"The Battle Over the National Endowment for the Arts." Bill of Rights in Action, vol.13, no.2, Spring 1997
Focuses on various controversies surrounding art -- ranging from Nazi Germany's suppression of modern art to modern controversies about the National Endowment of the Arts and popular music lyrics. Contact: Constitutional Rights Foundation, 800/488-4CRF
"Free Press vs. Fair Trial: The Lindbergh Baby Kidnaping Case" and "Religious Rights in Conflict." Bill of Rights in Action, Vol.10, no.1, Fall 1993
An exploration of the issues relating to the conflict between a free press and fair trial and between the free exercise and establishment clauses of the First Amendment. Contact: Constitutional Rights Foundation, 800/488-4CRF
"Separating Church and State." Bill of Rights in Action, Vol.13, no.4, Fall 1997
Explores the issues surrounding the separation of church and state, focusing on the development of the doctrine in the U.S.; the manner in which the ancient Roman Empire (a multi-ethnic, multi-religious society) handled religious diversity; and the recent U.S. Supreme Court case involving state aid to parochial school students. Contact: Constitutional Rights Foundation, 800/488-4CRF
Posters
Bill of Rights Posters.
A series of 5 award-winning black and white posters (11"H x 28"W)
- "Freedom of Speech" shows Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. waving to the crowds in Washington D.C. with the caption, "The Bill of Rights guarantees freedom of speech. Otherwise, it might all have been a dream." (PC#468-0031)
- "Religious Freedom" shows an Amish man in front of a rural background with the caption, "The Bill of Rights guarantees religious freedom. Otherwise he wouldn't have a prayer." (PC#468-0034)
- "Right to Assemble" shows suffragettes marching and carrying a banner, "I wish ma could vote," with the caption, "The Bill of Rights guarantees the right to assemble. Otherwise, they might still be that one step behind." (PC#468-0030)
See Teacher's Guide to the Bill of Rights Poster Series above. $4.95 each Contact: American Bar Association, 800/285-2221
"Which One Has Been Censored? -- All of Them"
Full color -- displays ten popular works censored in the United States, from Little Red Riding Hood to Webster's Dictionary to Playboy. (37"H x 24"W) Item #8010 $8.95 Contact: 800/775-ACLU
Software
Express Yourself
An interactive software program designed to inform students about their First Amendment rights. It utilizes video, animation, graphics and text. Free ($10 donation requested) Call the American Civil Liberties Union at 212/549-2560 or download the software from the ACLU Web site: www.aclu.org
Videotapes
"Dangerous" Songs: Censors, Rock, and the First Amendment
Interviews with songwriters, teenage listeners, parents, and other concerned individuals are used to explore the issues surrounding song lyrics deemed racist, obscene, and sexist and their protection by the First Amendment. (1991) 18 minutes. (RH767V-17) $67.32 Contact: Social Studies School Service, 800/421-4246
For Which It Stands: Flag Burning and the First Amendment
Presents the stories of two men whose convictions, experiences and viewpoints set them apart on the issue of flag burning. One is a Vietnam War veteran and former P.O.W. and the other is a man whose flag-burning as a form of protest led to a 1989 Supreme Court case. Includes a teacher's guide. (1992) 25 minutes. (B1141T) $59.95 Contact: Close Up Foundation, 800/765-3131
One Nation Under God?--School Prayer and the First Amendment
Highlights the 1985 Wallace v. Jaffree Supreme Court case and enables students to make their own decisions about the ongoing debate over prayer in the public schools. Includes teacher's guide with history of the freedom of religion in the U.S. (1995) 30 minutes. (#B1666T) $59.95 Contact: Close Up Foundation, 800/765-3131
Profiles of Freedom: A Living Bill of Rights
Interview with key players and audio footage of actual arguments made before the Supreme Court on four landmark cases. Profiled are: Mary Beth Tinker, who led an armband protest against the Vietnam War at her school; Joey Johnson, who burned the American flag as a form of protest; Ernesto Miranda, who confessed to a crime without being told he had the right to remain silent; and Bridget Mergens, who wanted to hold a Bible study at her school. Includes teacher's guide. (1997) 28 minutes (#B2018T) $59.95 Contact: Close Up Foundation, 800/765-3131
Skokie: Rights or Wrong
A Film About Freedom of Speech is available for purchase or rental. It profiles the turmoil created when the American Nazi Party called upon the ACLU to defend their right to hold a rally in Skokie, Ill., where many residents were survivors of Nazi concentration camp. (1987) 28 minutes $99.00 (Also available for rental) Contact: New Day Films, 22D Hollywood Ave., Hohokus, NJ 07423, 201/652-6590.
World Wide Web Sites
"American Bar Association Division for Public Education's Youth Education home page" http://www.abanet.org/publiced/youth/home.html
The Public Education site includes a wide array of information to educate non-lawyers about the law and citizenship. The youth education home page contains links to two sub-sites with significant content related to the First Amendment: the Online Conversation with the Tinker v. Des Moines Plaintiffs and the National Online Youth Summit (spring 2000), "Access Denied, R-Rating, V-Chip": Should Youth Access to the Internet and Mass Media Be Restricted?
"ACLU Freedom Network" http://www.aclu.org
The American Civil Liberties Union=s site contains information on student rights (full text of AAsk Sybil Liberty" flyers and free downloading of AExpress Yourself" software), news and events, and a wide variety of information on First Amendment and other rights issues.
"The First Amendment Center" http://www.fac.org/default.asp
The Freedom Forum First Amendment Center at Vanderbilt University provides a site with a wide variety of information on current events and issues involving the First Amendment.
"First Amendment Cyber-Tribune (FACT)" http://w3.trib.com/FACT/
The Casper Star-Tribune in Casper, Wyoming, hosts this site which provides information on all the liberties guaranteed by the First Amendment. The site includes a list of over 80 Weblinks to addtional sites dedicated to First Amendment issues.
"Freedom of Expression at the National Endowment for the Arts" http://www.csulb.edu~jvancamp/intro.html
Julies Van Camp, Associate Professor of Philosophy at California State University, Long Beach, provides course material; an extensive bibliography of books, articles, and legislative materials; and many links to other online resources examining related free speech topics.
"Project Censored" http://censored.sonoma.edu
Sonoma State University at Rohnert Park, California, sponsors this site which explores and publicizes the extent of censorship.
"Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press" http://www.rcfp.org
The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press in Arlington, Virginia sponsors this site as a service to reporters. The site includes a First Amendment Handbook with information about a variety of subjects such as access to courts, gag orders, confidential sources, libel, and copyright.
"Student Press Law Center" http://www.splc.org
The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press in Arlington, Virginia sponsors this site to provide legal help and information to the student media and journalism educators.
"University of Missouri FOI Center" http://www.missouri.edu/~foiwww/laws.html
The School of Journalism of the University of Missouri at Columbia, Missouri, sponsors this site which provides information about federal and state freedom of information resources and guides.
This resource list was produced by
Paula A. Nessel, Program Manager, School Programs
Division for Public Education, American Bar Association
541 N. Fairbanks Ct.
Chicago, IL 60611-3314
Tel. 312/988-6386 ~ Fax: 312/988-5494
Email: pnessel@staff.abanet.org
Web: http://www.abanet.org/publiced
Published by permission
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