Scholastic
Scholastic: Democracy for Kids: Understanding Rights and Responsibilities
Scholastic offers a series of printable panels and classroom activities in PDF format that focus on a U.S. citizen's right to express his- or herself. Content focuses on the Bill of Rights and its provisions for freedom of religion,...
Other
Streetlaw: Rights in the Community
This website provides several links and introductory information on the Constitution, freedom of speech, freedom of the press, expression in special places, freedom of religion, due process, the right to privacy, discrimination, and...
PBS
Pbs News Hour Extra: Anniversary of September 11 Highlights Attitude Toward Islam
Two controversies surround an anniversary of the September 11 attacks: plans to burn a Koran and plans to build a mosque near Ground Zero. These instances can serve as examples in the debate over religious freedom and religious tolerance...
NBC
Msnbc: Conflict in Iraq
A site that continually updates the news of the conflict in Iraq. Contains slide shows and videos on special features related to the conflict. (2009)
Other
Broadcasting Board of Governors
Promoting reliable and balanced journalism, the Broadcasting Board of Governors provides a comprehensive history, goal-set and ongoing intentions for international public broadcasting. The BBG seeks to provide unbiased and uncensored...
PBS
Pbs News Hour Extra: Supreme Court Ends Ban on Sale of Violent Video Games
An article about the Supreme Court ending a ban on the sale of violent video games. There are also links to other related items such as a classroom activity and information about the revolution of video games.
PBS
Pbs News Hour: Your Safety and Security or Your Civil Liberties Lesson
The object of this lesson is to take a look at the USA Patriot Act and the controversies around the Act. Does the Patriot Act defy our Civil Liberties? This lesson will explore that question and more.
PBS
Pbs News Hour: Intervention in Iraq?
Web page from March, 2003, as the U.S. prepares for war with Iraq.
Smithsonian Institution
Tween Tribune: President Obama Awards Biden the Medal of Freedom
A special moment between President Obama and Vice President Joe Biden in their last week when the President presented the Medal of Freedom to his right-hand man. Tween Tribune captured the story.
PBS
Pbs News Hour Extra: Supreme Court Considers Free Speech and Protests
Hateful as these actions may seem to many people, do groups still have the right to protest under the First Amendment? Read about the case that the Supreme Court is considering involving protests at a military funeral.
United Nations
United Nations: Human Rights
This is the United Nations site devoted to the topic of human rights. The visitor will find links to various declarations, treaties, and news releases.
Other
Student Press Law Center Legal Brief: Libel Law
Excellent site for students that need to know more about libel laws. Includes a definition of libel, a process to go by in order to avoid a lawsuit, and your defense options if you happen to be involved in a lawsuit.
BBC
Bbc News: Who Are the Northern Alliance
Article describing the multi-ethnic group supported by the U.S. during the war in Afghanistan. Brief biographies of many of the major players in the Northern Alliance. 11/13/01
PBS
Pbs News Hour: On Trial: Anonymous Sources (Lesson Plan)
A lesson in which learners investigate issues of journalistic ethics revolving around the reporting of leaked information, promises of confidentiality, and the public's right to know. Learners also conduct a mock trial, attempting to...
PBS
Soldiers Without Swords: Treason? African Americans in World War Ii
Article describes the dilemma of African Americans during WWII, including legislation attempting to restrict the black press.
Read Works
Read Works: Don't Know Much About Liberty
[Free Registration/Login Required] Students read about the freedoms guaranteed by the First Amendment to the Constitution. A question sheet is available to help students build skills in classifying and categorizing.
Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
Rcfp: Court Rescinds Its Own Prior Restraint Against the Ap
A judge decided not to continue to enforce a prior restraint keeping the Associated Press from releasing information it had obtained through an open records request.
A&E Television
History.com: When New Seat Belt Laws Drew Fire as a Violation of Personal Freedom
The 1980s battle over safety belt laws reflected widespread ambivalence over the role and value of government regulation. Drivers and passengers complained that seat belts were uncomfortable and restrictive, but the uproar over mandatory...
PBS
Pbs News Hour Extra: Memorial Day, Americans Reflect on Military Service
Information on the creation of Memorial Day as well as more current information on soldiers who have given their lives for our freedom.
Other
North Central Internet News: Trend in Tort Reform Laws
"No fault, no individual freedom, no responsibility" - a commentary on Tort Reform and, in the opinion of the writer, a camouflage to end the fundamental right to have remedy when injury or damage occurs as the result of a wrong...
Other
First Amendment Center
This First Amendment site, partly news and partly background, contains information related to all the aspects of the freedoms outlined in the First Amendment.
PBS
Pbs News Hour Extra: The Iraq War (Students and Teachers)
This site provides coverage of the war with Iraq written for teens. Additional content includes student voices and forums.
Scholastic
Scholastic News: The End of Slavery
January 2, 2013 marked the 150th anniversary of the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation, which ended slavery in the United States. Read about the order and how it was being celebrated on this historical anniversary.
NPR: National Public Radio
Npr: Jews & African Americans Built Tradition
Read about the history of the Freedom Seder, a Jewish and African-American tradition. Includes an audio version of the story and a video.