Tinker vs. DesMoines School District

Case: The United States is involved in a controversial war. To show their opposition to the war, two students wear black armbands to their public school, even though the school has a policy against wearing them. School officials say the policy against armbands is to avoid arguments or fights between students who support the war and those who oppose the war.
Issue: Do the students have the right to wear black armbands to school? Why or why not?

West Virginia Board of Education vs. Barnette

Case: Students at a certain public school start each day by reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. One student refuses to recite the pledge because her religious beliefs do not allow it. Because of her refusal, she is expelled for not following school rules.
Issue: Do students have the right to refuse to recite the Pledge of Allegiance? Why or why not?

New Jersey vs. TLO

Case: A high school student is caught smoking cigarettes in a public school’s bathroom. The vice principal searches her purse and finds cigarettes and rolling papers, which are associated with marijuana use. The principal then searches the purse more thoroughly, finding marijuana and evidence that the student was dealing marijuana. School authorities call the police, and the state brings charges against the student.
Issue: Do public school students have the right to be protected against having their belongings searched by a principal? Why or why not?

Board of Education vs. Earls

Case: A public school district requires all middle and high school students to submit to drug testing before they are allowed to participate in extracurricular activities, including sports teams, that are sponsored by the school district. When two students refuse to take the drug test, they are barred from participating in after-school activities.
Issue: Do students have the right to refuse to take the drug test and still participate in after-school activities? Why or why not?