High school students feel that the First Amendment goes too far in the rights it guarantees.
College students should be concerned. This issue needs correcting.
Ball State University's Journalism Institute for Digital Education, Activities and Scholarship released the results of a survey of high school students and educators Monday. The study deals with opinions on the education and understanding of the First Amendment.
While the number of students taking classes about the First Amendment has increased, the number of high school students who think the First Amendment protects too much has also increased.
High school students are less likely than adults to think people should have the right to express unpopular ideas.
These high school students are our future. That means there could be leaders of corporations and people in positions of power who think that the First Amendment protects too much.
This amendment gives citizens freedom of religion, the right to assemble, freedom of the press, right to a redress of grievances and the freedom of speech.
These are important rights and freedoms that should not be taken for granted and must be fully understood.
Informed, responsible students will ensure a successful future for our freedoms.
Students who are education majors need to make sure they incorporate the First Amendment into their teaching.
When students took courses about the First Amendment 87 percent thought that people had the right to express unpopular ideas or opinions - this number dropped to 68 percent if the students had not taken a class.
"The only way the First Amendment will have a lasting effect is if we keep teaching it," Gerry Appel, an education specialist at J-IDEAS, said.
The issue cannot be solely addressed by teachers, though. At some point in life, college students will find themselves interacting with a child. It's a chance to positively influence future leaders.
No one has an excuse. Everyone needs to do their part to educate future generations about the importance of the First Amendment.
There is no yielding in the pursuit of freedom.
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