When a judge from the Louisiana Second Circuit Court of Appeal pays a visit to teach history class, students have a tendency to listen. 

Judge Jeff Cox was the guest speaker – or rather teacher – at Elm Grove Middle School, where every seventh grader learned about how the U.S. Constitution was drafted and its relevance to them even today. He was there for Celebrate Freedom Week, a new state law that requires public schools to teach students about topics related to freedom during September. 

Cox outlined the Bill of Rights and the first 10 amendments, pointing out how they affect the rights and freedoms every student has. 

“You are the future leaders. Are you going to protect your rights?” Judge Cox asked his student audience. “How do you do that? You vote, you get involved in your community and you become leaders. It’s up to you.” 

American history teacher Chris Kourvelas and his colleagues worked with Judge Cox and the Louisiana Center for Law and Civics Education to make the visit possible.