Tinker v. Des Moines
Background Information
John Tinker, his sister Mary Beth Tinker, and Christopher Echardt decided to protest the Vietnam War by wearing black armbands to their Des Moines schools during the Christmas holiday season. The principle of the school thought it was disturbing, and decided to suspend the kids to after New Years Eve.
Constitutional Question
First Amendment, Freedom of Speech.
Decision/Lasting Effect
The Court ruled 7 votes for Tinker, 2 votes against. The wearing of armbands was protected by the First Amendment Right of freedom of speech.