Facing Ferguson: News Literacy in a Digital Age

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Day 9: The Importance of a Free Press

Description

The events in Ferguson underscored the freedoms guaranteed by the First Amendment, including freedom of speech and the right to assembly, but most significantly freedom of the press. In this lesson, after reviewing the text of the First Amendment, students will hear Washington Post journalist Wesley Lowery discuss his detention in Ferguson. They will then review a press conference with the police captain in charge of security to understand some of the challenges the police faced in guaranteeing safety for protesters, police, journalists, and community members. Finally, students will reflect on what’s at stake when press freedoms are threatened.


Learning Goals:

  • Students will be able to recall the First Amendment and the five freedoms it guarantees.
  • Students will be able to understand the importance of a free press in a democracy.
  • Students will be able to recognize the essential connection between freedom of speech and freedom of the press.
  • Students will be able to reflect on how freedom of the press can conflict with other needs or freedoms.
  • Students will be able to understand why a free press can serve as a “watchdog” on behalf of the public’s interest.

Summary

Essential Questions: What is the role of the press in a democracy, and how does the First Amendment protect that role in the United States? How can press freedoms come into conflict with other societal needs and priorities?

Anticipated Timeframe: 2 class periods

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