Question

question 13 of 15
which statement from the tinker v. des moines court decision best supports
the reasoning that the conduct of the student protesters was within the
protection of the free speech clause of the first amendment?

a. in wearing the armbands, the students were quiet and passive,
were not disruptive and did not infringe upon the rights of others.

b. neither students nor teachers shed their constitutional rights to
freedom of speech or expression at the schoolhouse gate.

c. three public school pupils in des moines, iowa, were suspended
from school for wearing black armbands to protest the
government’s policy in vietnam.

d. first amendment rights are available to teachers and students,
subject to application in light of the special characteristics of the
school environment.

Explanation:

The question asks for the statement that directly supports why the students' protest was protected by the First Amendment. Option A specifically addresses the nature of the students' conduct—quiet, passive, non-disruptive, and not violating others' rights—which was the key reasoning for finding their speech protected. Option B states a general principle but does not tie to the specific conduct. Option C is just the factual background of the case, not reasoning. Option D notes First Amendment rights apply in schools with caveats, but does not support why this specific protest was protected.

Answer:

A. In wearing the armbands, the students were quiet and passive, were not disruptive and did not infringe upon the rights of others.