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Bill of Rights Essay Contest
Download the Application Packet Here
Find Materials for Educators Here
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The ACLU of Idaho Foundation Presents:
Bill of Rights Essay Contest – First prize: $400 Second prize: $200 Third prize: $100
Essay Prompt:
The First Amendment to the United States Constitution establishes freedom of expression as a basic right in our form of government. However, free expression has never been considered an absolute right and throughout the history of our nation, our government has struggled to decide when to protect (allow) and when to limit (stop) free expression.
Hate speech is regarded as one of those struggles. Hate speech is defined as speech (either pure or symbolic) that that attacks or disparages a person or group of people based on their social or ethnic group. Some people, even if they think hate speech is hurtful, believe that our government should protect it, while others believe that hate speech should be limited.
What do you think? Should the U.S. government protect or limit hate speech? Based on the Bill of Rights, historical events and court rulings, current events, and/or examples from your own life, write an original essay in which you decide whether you believe hate speech should be protected or limited, explain why you believe your point of view, and outline how your point of view will protect the freedoms outlined in the Bill of Rights.
Guidelines:
· Be a student in grades 9 through 12 in Idaho
· Use the Six Trait writing rubric as a guideline for your writing (basis for scoring)
· Fill out the Entry and Consent forms
Submit essay, cover sheet, and release form on or before November 25, 2009 to:
Bill of Rights Essay Contest
ACLU of Idaho Foundation
PO Box 1897
Boise, ID 83701
Electronic copies are also acceptable to lcaywood@acluidaho.org
For more information contact:
Lily Caywood
ACLU of Idaho
208-344-9750 ext. 201
lcaywood@acluidaho.org
The ACLU of Idaho Foundation educates the public about and defends and preserves the individual rights and liberties guaranteed all people in the country by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America.
The ACLU of Idaho Foundation is a non-partisan, 501(c)(3) that works to protect the enduring values of freedom and equality based on a three-pronged approach: legislation, litigation, and public education. The ACLU of Idaho Foundation is involved in impact litigation, public education and outreach, and legal advocacy on behalf of individuals. The ACLU of Idaho, our 501(c)(4) organization, lobbies on scores of bills in the state legislature and local councils. Visit our website at www.acluidaho.org for more information.
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