Free speech is essential for a healthy democracy—and educators play a crucial role in preparing students to practice open dialogue, inside and outside the classroom. Below you will find videos and lesson plans designed to empower your students to exercise their right to free speech while recognizing the responsibilities that come with it.
In these Above the Noise videos, host Myles Bess breaks down complex media issues in a way that’s engaging, relevant, and easy for students to understand. These episodes tackle timely subjects like the role of government, school surveillance, and the long history of protesting in America. Each episode comes with a lesson plan, a student viewing guide, and additional resources to support classroom discussions and help students become more discerning media consumers.
- Voices from the March for Science
- Is There a Right Way to Protest?
- Should Schools Monitor Students Online?
- The History of Banning Books
Also check out the Police, Race and Unrest in America’s Cities lesson plan, which breaks down lessons from the Race Riots in Detroit and Newark in the 1960s.
Take It to the Microphone
Do your students feel strongly about their first amendment rights? The Call for Change Youth Media Challenge empowers students to raise their voices on the issues that matter the most to them. By researching, analyzing, and sharing their perspectives, students develop critical media literacy and storytelling skills through creating media projects. Use this opportunity to hear your students’ voices and perspectives and share with an authentic audience.