Which statement from the Tinker v. Des Moines court decision best supports
the reasoning that the conduct of the student protesters was within the
protection of the free speech clause of the First Amendment?

The sign of black armbands and the quietness and passiveness of the students was more of a symbol than a statement that supported the reasoning that the conduct of the student protesters.

Explanation:

To stand against the government policies in Vietnam, pupils of three public school stood against the higher authorities wearing a black armband.

These students were under suspension till the protest was over as they ignored to remove off the black armbands that stood as a powerful statement and tool against the government.

The sign of black armbands and the quietness and passiveness of the students was more of a symbol than a statement that supported the reasoning that the conduct of the student protesters was within the  protection of the free speech clause of the First Amendment.