Mary beth tinker was suspended from school for wearing a black armband as a way to protest the vietnam war. she was engaging in

Answer: Symbolic speech

Symbolic speech is used to describe actions and use of objects that purposefully convey a particular message or statement to those viewing it. It is recognized as protected under the First Amendment. Some current examples are "Make America Great Again" hats and the "Pink" hat movement. More traditional examples are wearing a swastika necklace or flying a rainbow flag.