In a time of presidential debates and an unpopular war, the First Amendment, which says Congress can make no law prohibiting freedom of speech, is a hot topic.
With the goal of spreading information regarding the importance of the First Amendment, J-Ideas, a Ball State University student journalism organization, has formed the Principles Coalition for the First Amendment. Formed in 2003, J-Ideas encourages journalism in high school students through programs, distance activities, digital activities and scholarships. J-Ideas formed the coalition in cooperation with the Teachers College Department of Educational Leadership.
J-Ideas Director Warren Watson said the coalition will work to "drive home First Amendment rights to students."
The concept for the coalition started in February when Amy Sorrel, then an English teacher at Woodlan Junior-Senior High School in Woodburn, Ind., was suspended for letting a student's column promoting tolerance for gays print in the student newspaper, Watson said. After weeks of debate and media coverage, Sorrell was transferred to a teaching position at another school in the East Allen County Schools district, according to an April 28 Fort Wayne Journal Gazette article.
The incident made the need for First Amendment education in high schools nationwide more apparent than ever, Watson said.
"We feel it's the next step we have to take to drive home the importance of First Amendment rights to students," he said.
The coalition will begin with 35 members but plans to grow into a national organization, he said. Watson has produced an educational DVD, "A First Amendment Guide for Principals and Administrators," which J-Ideas is distributing to high school administrators nationwide. The DVD won a 2007 Silver Telly award, which recognizes the best local regional and cable TV programs.
Watson said the coalition will serve as a medium for like-minded principals and administrators who want to educate their students about the First Amendment. The principles will be able to share classroom activities and curriculum practices that support the amendment, he said.
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