Question

In Tinker v. Des Moines, why did the Supreme Court rule in favor of the students who wore armbands?

Their action did not negatively influence other students.
Their action was not disruptive.
Their action occurred off school grounds.
Their action was political speech.

Answer 1

Correct answers: Their action was not disruptive, and their action was political speech.

Explanation: In Tinker v. Des Moines (1969) the Court held that students retain First Amendment rights at school and that the school could not prohibit student political speech (the armbands protesting the Vietnam War) unless the conduct would materially and substantially disrupt school operations or invade the rights of others. Since the armbands were silent/political and did not cause such disruption, the students prevailed.