Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. At any time a citizen is able speak their mind under the First Amendment, which constitutes citizens the right to Freedom of Speech, Religion, Press, Assembly and Petition. But what about in their workspace? And in those workspaces, what if they influence others, like teachers? Are they able to speak of their viewpoints on religion and politics?

In Arizona, the case of Williams v. Vidmar showcased Stephen Williams, a 5th grade history teacher, who taught his students the religious background in some of the founding fathers’ documents, such as the Declaration of Independence. Williams also taught students about National Day of Prayer and various worksheets depicting the Easter holiday and its background, due to his religious views. The principal of the school, Patricia Vidmar, asked Williams to submit each document he was going to teach to her two days prior to teaching the content so she could make sure what he was teaching did not violate any rules about religion being taught in school. Williams thought this went against his rights and took the case to court.

Ultimately the judge favored Vidmar in the case, citing the fact that teachers are able to teach religion but are not able to enforce it, which is what Williams was doing through the use of teaching the National Day of Prayer and about Easter.Williams left the school the same year.

Teachers are allowed to teach religion and politics to students (In Freedom High School, for example, politics are discussed in the Civics and Government class), but they are not allowed to alter the content due to their preference.

One topic that is always widely debated is the teaching of evolution in schools. The topic is widely debated not only if teachers do not believe in the subject but also students. There have been many court cases about the subject, with most favoring the teaching of evolution.

These court cases show how teachers have been limited in their abilities to teach, but it may be for a good cause.

Teaching students year after year the same information can help everyone be on “the same page.” By doing this, it helps society stay in a stable condition with all being taught the same information rather than learning multiple different ways.

Sure, in the Williams v. Vidmar case, Williams did speak his mind in a way by teaching what he thought was correct.

He did abide by his first amendment rights, but he possibly went against his teaching contract.

So when it comes to the first amendment, teachers are able to speak their minds, but they are not allowed to teach it.