Overview
Should people be stopped from offending each other? From criticizing each other’s views, religion, even race? Should the government protect us from offensive speech, or protect offensive speakers? Should people be afraid to speak openly if what they say offends others? This segment looks at the threats to free speech from Islamic extremists.

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Lesson Insights

Grade level and subjects
• Recommended for grades 6-12
• Subjects: Government and Other
• Works in Classroom, Hybrid, and Homeschool settings

What students will learn
By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
• discuss the pros and cons of free speech;
• explain the importance of free speech in a democratic society;
• evaluate the choices between exercising free speech and avoiding offending others; and
• assess the potential consequences—intended and unintended—of prohibiting speech that some people find offensive.

Sample discussion questions
• Is the concept of free speech old fashioned? Should we adapt it for modern times? If so, how?
• Was Theo Van Gogh trying to help women or was he trying to criticize a religion? Does it matter?
• Mark Steyn was brought before the Canadian Human Rights Commission and the British Columbia Human Rights Tribunal for a column he wrote, “The Future Belongs to Islam.” Could that happen in America? Should it? Should any country have rules that interfere with freedom of the press? Why / Why not?
• In the “old days,” children were taught the nursery rhyme: “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me.” What does that mean? Is it true? How has society changed? 20
• Isn’t it good to be kind to one another? So what’s wrong with a law that requires that?

What’s in the free teacher’s guide
This printable 13-page Teacher's Guide includes a lesson description, learning objectives, a fill-in viewing guide with answer key, discussion and analysis questions, and classroom activities.

Standards alignment
Aligned to state standards — use the SITC Standards Tool to match this video to the standards in your state.