Chapter 5-6

Walker and some other students were in favor of issuing a statement against the distribution of the papers and calling for disciplinary action against anyone who gives them out. A boy named Marty O'Brian, the captain of the baseball team, brings up the issue of protected free speech. Even if the message is disagreeable to some people, he argues, it should not be censored. The Council calls a vote on issuing a statement without calling for any punishment, and it passes with everyone but O'Brian voting in favor. O'Brian abstains, prompting Walker to openly ask him if he is the one distributing the papers. O'Brian does not admit or deny it. Walker becomes infuriated with O'Brian.