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Lesson Plan
Should the Courts and the Government Permit Disclosure of the Identities of People who Publish Anonymous Statements on the Internet?
Purpose
The purpose of this lesson plan is to help students understand why anonymous speech - even on the Internet and even if it is unpopular - is still protected speech.
Grade
9-12
Objectives
Students should be able to:
- Identify the free speech protections guaranteed by the First Amendment
- Explain why anonymous speech is protected speech
Materials
- Text of the First Amendment ACLU briefing paper:
- "Freedom of Expression" The Federalist Papers
Activities
- The teacher will give an overview the concept of free speech - including anonymous speech
- If students have Internet access, have them browse the Internet for examples of instances where people are making anonymous statements that students feel should be protected anonymous speech and instances involving anonymous statements the students think anonymity should not be protected.
- Have students read one or some of the Federalist Papers and write an essay about whether they feel the authors were justified in their anonymity or whether they should have been forced to disclose their identities.
- Have the class divide into groups and write anonymous group statements criticizing the food in the school cafeteria or, better yet, the school administration. Discuss the statements and what the consequences might be if students were required to sign their names to the statements.
