More correctly, there’s no hint that free speech provisions DON’T apply to the classroom in the constitution.
Here’s what Cornell Law School has to say on it, and it’s whack-job liberal up there in Ithaca, NY:
“The most basic component of freedom of expression is the right of freedom of speech. The right to freedom of speech allows individuals to express themselves without interference or constraint by the government. The Supreme Court requires the government to provide substantial justification for the interference with the right of free speech where it attempts to regulate the content of the speech. A less stringent test is applied for content-neutral legislation. The Supreme Court has also recognized that the government may prohibit some speech that may cause a breach of the peace or cause violence. The right to free speech includes other mediums of expression that communicate a message.”
Unless the shirt is going to ‘breach peace or cause violence’, then you are OK. It says nothing about WHERE you can speak. The classic test is ‘yelling ‘fire’ in a crowded theater’. Wearing a T-shirt about abortion doesn’t come near meeting that test.
The Principal is wrong here, period. Especially within a taxpayer-funded institution like a school.
WITHOUT reasonable, unfettered speech, you end up with public educational institutions that reflect a single, institutionally enforced ideological context.
Looks like 1A hasn’t done much to ameliorate this on most college campii. Cie la vie.
What does the First Amendment actually say and NOT that modern clap-trap?
Have you ever been an employee? Or been in the service?