Re:Refund (Score 1)

Refund wrote:

The first amendment doesn't give you the right to say whatever you want wherever or whenever.

And Jackie_Chan_Fan responded thusly

Uh... yes it does. The second we begin thinking like you, is the second we give up the entire idea of freedom of speech.

Actually, it doesn't. I teach at a state college. The fact that one of my students wants to spout off in class does not entitle him to do so at any time without regard for topic or timing (e.g., during a test).

I frequently give my students the freedom to express their ideas; but I draw the line at allowing them to interfere with the educational process. The Supreme Court decided that in Tinker v. Des Moines School District (1969).

Can you imagine if some crackpot decided to hijack a classroom to promote his views, and then screamed "censorship" when he wasn't allowed to spend the entire class period ranting? That's one instance where freedom is appropriately limited.

-Cloyster

P.S. I have never had to "censor" a student in my classroom -- and I hope I never need to. But if a student tried to take over the class, I would not hesitate to throw him out.