Free Speech in America

Prompt: Should the expressed views and protests of Westboro Baptist Church be considered protected free speech under the First Amendment to the United States Constitution?

The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution:

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

Read the following articles to help you formulate your position:

Pro: http://www.usnews.com/opinion/articles/2010/07/06/the-first-amendment-protects-military-funeral-protests

Con: http://www.usnews.com/opinion/articles/2010/07/06/military-funeral-protests-can-be-banned

Then, construct your own argument with the following features (four total paragraphs):

• Thesis Statement that clearly presents your position on this issue
• Supporting Argument #1
• Supporting Argument #2
• Supporting Argument #3

Due Monday, Oct. 7 by 4:30pm.  

George Washington and Slavery

• George Washington owned 317 slaves at the time of his death.
• George Washington was one of the only plantation owners to recognize slave marriages.
• George Washington repeatedly refused to sell slaves if it meant that they would be separated from their families.
• George Washington stated in his will that upon his wife Martha's death, his estate, Mount Vernon, would be sold and the proceeds would be used to pay for the freedom and education of the 124 slaves that he owned outright.
• But still... George Washington owned 317 slaves at the time of his death.

How do you assess the morality of George Washington?  Three paragraphs:

• Thesis
• Supporting Argument #1
• Supporting Argument #2

Affirmative Action in College Admissions?

First, read the following article:

http://www.usnews.com/news/newsgram/articles/2013/07/24/majority-of-americans-oppose-affirmative-action-in-college-admissions?src=usn_tw

Then, formulate your own position on this issue (three total paragraphs):

• Thesis Statement
• Supporting Argument #1
• Supporting Argument #2

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DUE FRIDAY, SEP. 20th BY 5:00PM