What did the Tinker v. Des Moines case establish about student rights?

The Tinker v. Des Moines case established that students do retain the right to free speech while at school, particularly when it comes to symbolic speech, such as wearing armbands to protest the Vietnam War. The Supreme Court ruled that students are allowed to express their opinions through symbolic gestures, provided that their expression does not significantly disrupt the educational process or pose a threat to the school's mission. The Court emphasized the importance of protecting students' rights to free expression as a fundamental principle of democracy, while also acknowledging that schools have a responsibility to maintain order and an environment conducive to learning. This case highlights the balance between students' rights and the authority of school administrators.