The resolution of free speech issues in the public school context has, until recently, involved a precarious balancing between the First Amendment rights of students and teachers and the role of public schools in inculcating students with fundamental values. This year, in "Hazelwood School District v. Kuhlmeier," the Supreme Court struck this balance in favor of school administrators. Now especially where curriculum decisions are at issue, courts will give school administrators wide discretion. Before embarking on an analysis of the "Hazelwood" decision and its implications, this article examines several of the Supreme Court cases that preceded, and to varying degrees foreshadowed, the Court's decision in "Hazelwood." (104 footnotes) (MLF)