Respecting Freedom of Speech

In the course of this lesson, students will consider the point where respect and freedom of expression intersect. For homework the night before, students are asked to review the language of the First Amendment, as well as examine their definition of respect by responding to a writing prompt. The next day, students are asked to consider five controversial instances of free speech and participate in a discussion that attempts to draw the distinction between: private versus government action regarding speech; and rights of the speakers and rights of the listener.