Supreme Court decisions on student free speech rights in the 1960s

Restrictions of Free Speech on American Campuses

The freedom of speech is essential to our identity as Americans. However, there has been much controversy concerning students invocation of their first amendment rights on college campuses across the country. The backlash has resulted in tragic events such as the violent end to anti-war protests seen on campuses like Kent State in the sixties. In lieu of such events, the U.S. Supreme Court has taken upon the responsibility of deciding crucial cases involving free speech and student charges. There have been cases where the Supreme Court has ruled in favor of student's claiming to have had their First Amendment Rights violated; however, the majority of cases show a preference for ruling favor against free speech violation appeals involving campuses. What was the main factor in the decision was the escalation of violence in the case.

In the case of Cox v. Louisiana case consisting lasting from 1964-1965, (the Ovex Project, "Cox v. Louisiana"), the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of the student's appeal. In 1961, 2,000 students led by Elton Cox marched an anti-war protest down the streets of Baton Rouge and ended in arrests after stopping in front of the Louisiana Court House. After the initial clash, police arrested Elton Cox and charged him with "disturbing the peace," (the Ovex Project, "Cox v. Louisiana"). In 1965, the Court decided that none of the student's activities were criminal. They were rightfully engaging in their right to free speech.