The Annual Fair is Smallville’s biggest event of the year. Cuthbert is the Principal of Smallville High School. Students from Smallville High School perform at the annual event. Coy Gunner is a student of Smallville High School. The school regulations stipulate that students must adhere to the school’s regulations and conduct themselves worthy of emulation. Coy Gunner is the School’s Quarterback. Gunner wore a green T-Shirt with different inscriptions during the annual event. The message on Gunner’s T-shirt provoked the Principal during the event. The Principal Rebuked Gunner for wearing the T-Shirt. The action of Coy Gunner is a violation of the regulations he pledged to observe.
Matters Arising
Smallville High School hosted the annual event and the Principal chaired the occasion. Coy Gunner is a student of Smallville High School with an obligation to abide by the school’s regulations. The school’s regulation stipulates strict adherence. By signing the consent form for admission, Coy Gunner accepted to adhere by the school rules and will be held accountable for any misgiving. The Principal has the right to rebuke Coy Gunner and place him under suspension.
The Rule
The hypothetical case will be tried using natural law. When an individual provokes his or neighbor with his or her actions, the individual has committed an offence. Constitutionally protected speech covers certain areas of our lives. A constitutionally protected speech means:
- The individual has the right to speak.
- The individual can use abusive words to demand or convey liberation messages or protest.
- The individual can participate in any symbolic protest.
A constitutional protected speech does not mean:
- The individual will wear symbols that would incite or cause any form of demonstration.
- The individual will distribute profane materials.
- The individual will act against the regulations of the school.
The above statements will be used to judge the action of Coy Gunner. Base on the above statements, Coy Gunner’s message is not a constitutionally protected speech. His action is against the law, and in this case the Principal is the custodian of the law. Cuthbert’s actions can be justified because; he is the custodian of the law and must enforce its principles despite the right to free speech.
Compare and contrast
Base on natural law, Gunner’s actions will be an offence whether on or off school property. Coy Gunner has a duty to uphold a character worthy of emulation. He holds a position as the School’s Quarterback and must be held accountable for unruly behavior. No matter the reasons for his actions, he violated the rule binding him as a student of Smallville High School. His rights to free speech will not apply in this case. If the trial judge sets the case aside and follow the masses, the Quarterback would be guilty of the offence. The position of the Principal is justified. The rights to free speech should not be stretched. Coy Gunner’s action could incite other students to revolt against the school’s regulation.
The right to a protected speech does not cover deliberate actions capable of inciting another student. Coy may be of another faith, which means he publicly provoked the Principal with his actions. It is wrong to wear messages that will incite other students in the school premises. The law governing the conduct of students would be enforced in the case.