The students claimed that because there is no national "straight day" that having a day devoted to the homosexual, bisexual, and transgender communities is discriminatory. Furthermore when school officials ordered students to either remove the shirts or turn them inside-out, the students claimed that their first amendment rights were violated.
This case calls into question how strongly we value our right to free speech. The students in support of the Day of Silence were allowed to wear clothing in support of the movement, however when those in opposition attempted to exercise the same right, they were barred from do so.
Is this fair?
That becomes a difficult question. Remember, our right to free speech is almost untouchable, and it is completely universal; meaning your right to express an opinion, however offensive to a certain group cannot be infringed upon.
With this in mind, were the students' constitutional rights violated when they were forced to remove the t-shirts? Do schools have a greater responsibility to protect students aside from ensuring constitutional rights?
Thoughts?