Question

Justice Fortas says That the problem before the court is how Students "exercise first amendment rights collide[s] With the rules of school authorities." how does justice Fortas argue against the schools "fear of a disturbance from the wearing of the armbands" as a sufficient reason to ban them?

Answer 1

Justice Fortas said that the school was against the armbands because they might create a disturbance.

However, Fortas argued that ANYTHING could cause a disturbance. He said that "Any departure ... may cause trouble." He also said that "Any word spoken, in class, in the lunchroom, or on the campus, that deviates from the views of another person may start an argument or cause a disturbance."

For that reason, Fortas argues that "fear or apprehension of a disturbance is not enough to overcome the right to freedom of expression."