Tinker v. Des Moines

Mary & John Tinker

Background Information

• John and Mary Beth Tinker were siblings ages 15 and 13.
• In 1965, they attended a public school in Des Moines.
• They participated in a group that protested the Vietnam War.
• They wanted to show their support for a truce by wearing black armbands.
• The School was pretty strict about wearing black armbands in protest.

Even though they were nervous, John and Mary went to school with their armbands anyway, despite knowing that the School wouldn't allow it. The School felt it was disruptive so they suspended the students. The siblings were approached by the Iowa Civil Liberties Union who encouraged the Tinkers to take Action!

"We'd learned about the Bill of Rights and the First Amendment in school, and we felt free speech should apply to kids, too." - Mary Tinker

Court Case

• The students decided to sue the School District.
• The District court heard the case
• They ruled in favor of the School.
• They felt the it would cause disturbance in school.
• They didn't know if student's rights were protected.

The Tinkers Appealed

The Appeal

Supreme Court Decision

• In a 7-2 decision, the Tinkers got the favorable vote.
• The Court stated students are able to express their Constitutional Rights.
• Students can show freedom of speech while in school.
• This was a momentous decision recognizing the rights of kids.
• Now, kid's would have the same rights as adults.

It was admirable and courageous that the kids stood up for their rights and were willing to go to the Supreme Court to receive fair treatment.

Sources Cited
www.streetlaw.org
www.bc.edu
billofrightsinstitute.org