Presenter: Name: Arlene Laverde

Title: School Librarian
Organization/School: Townsend Harris High School

Program Description
In today’s climate of increasing book challenges and bans, it’s more important than ever for students to understand their rights and how the First Amendment protects them. This session focuses on helping students engage with critical issues like censorship, freedom of speech, and intellectual freedom. Students will explore the First Amendment as a whole, examining not only freedom of speech, but also freedom of assembly, protest, and religion, and how these rights apply to their lives, even as minors. The session will also explore how students’ constitutional rights are being tested in the classroom, especially through the lens of banned and challenged books.

Key highlights of the session include:

Exploring Banned Books:
Participants will examine a variety of picture books that have been challenged or banned across the U.S. The session will focus on how these bans impact students’ access to diverse voices and ideas and the motivations behind these actions.

Supreme Court Cases:
Educators will delve into landmark Supreme Court cases such as Tinker v. Des Moines and Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier, analyzing how these rulings have shaped students' rights and how the balance between students' rights and school authority continues to evolve.

Contemporary Legal Challenges:
We will explore current state laws that criminalize actions of teachers, librarians, and other education professionals in providing access to diverse books. The session will examine how these laws affect students today and what they mean for the future of intellectual freedom in education.

Advocacy through Action:
The session will conclude by showing how students can advocate for their right to read and express themselves. Educators will learn about a New York State bill related to the freedom to read and explore how students can take an active role in civic advocacy, including writing evidence-based letters to state representatives in support of intellectual freedom.

Learning Objectives
Gain a deeper understanding of how the First Amendment protects students' rights in schools.
Explore real-world examples of book bans and the impact on student access to information.
Learn how to incorporate lessons on Supreme Court cases and contemporary legal issues into their curriculum.
Develop strategies for empowering students to become advocates for intellectual freedom.
Leave with actionable resources and lesson plans for fostering critical thinking and civic engagement in their classrooms.

Program Outline
I. Introduction to the First Amendment and Students' Rights
a. Overview of the First Amendment - Free speech, freedom of assembly, freedom of religion, and the right to protest
b. How Constitutional Rights Apply to Students
c. Importance of understanding students’ rights in today’s educational landscape

II. Landmark Supreme Court Cases and Student Rights
a. Key Cases Shaping Student Rights
Tinker v. Des Moines (1969) - Free speech in schools
Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier (1988) - School-sponsored speech and censorship
Other significant rulings affecting student rights
b. Impact of Court Rulings on Students Today
c. How these decisions continue to shape school policies and student rights

III. The Issue of Book Banning and Censorship
a. Understanding Book Banning and Censorship
b. Reasons behind banned and challenged books
c. The impact on students’ access to diverse ideas and voices
d. Examining Banned and Challenged Books
e. Reviewing popular picture books that have faced bans
d. Discussion on the cultural and political forces behind these challenges

IV. Contemporary Legal Challenges and Their Impact
a. Current Laws Affecting Educators and Students
b. Overview of new state laws criminalizing educators, librarians, and access to diverse literature
c. Implications of These Laws on Students' Rights
d. The future of intellectual freedom and the potential impact on students’ learning environments

V. Advocacy through Action: Empowering Students
a. How Students Can Advocate for Their Rights
b. Introduction to advocacy for freedom to read and intellectual freedom
c. Exploring Legislation: New York State Bill on the Freedom to Read
d. Discuss the importance of legislation protecting intellectual freedom
e. Writing Evidence-Based Letters to State Representatives

VI. Conclusion and Q&A
The First Amendment and the Freedom to Read

Grade Level: 6-8, 9-12

Session Strand: Teaching & Learning

Description: This interactive workshop will focus on the First Amendment and how it applies to students' rights, especially regarding book banning and censorship in schools. While designed for high school educators, the session can be adapted for younger grades. Participants will explore how constitutional rights, like free speech and access to diverse literature, apply to students—even as minors—in the classroom.