Posted on 03/11/2006 1:00:05 PM PST by wagglebee
An Alaska high school violated a student's free speech rights by suspending him after he unfurled a banner reading "Bong Hits 4 Jesus" across the street from the school, a federal court ruled on Friday.
Joseph Frederick, a student at Juneau-Douglas High School in Alaska, displayed the banner -- which refers to smoking marijuana -- in January 2002 to try to get on television as the Olympic torch relay was passing the school.
Principal Deborah Morse seized the banner and suspended the 18-year-old for 10 days, saying he had undermined the school's educational mission and anti-drug stance.
Friday's ruling by the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco overturned a decision by a federal court in Alaska that backed Frederick's suspension and said his rights were not violated.
The appeals court said the banner was protected speech because it did not disrupt school activity and was displayed off school grounds during a non-curricular activity.
"Public schools are instrumentalities of government, and government is not entitled to suppress speech that undermines whatever missions it defines for itself," Judge Andrew Kleinfeld wrote in the court's opinion.
The court also cleared the way for Frederick to seek damages, saying Morse was aware of relevant case law and should have known her actions violated his rights.
"right to a crime free school zone"
Which amendment was that?
Speech is not a crime,
freedom of expression is in the costitution
and moreover is a natural right
just like determining personal consumption.
Yeah, but that cartoon would be a hate crime.
Contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
The fact that it was a woman doesn't surprise me. As a mother of two boys, I've had more trouble with female principals.
If the guy offered a bonghit to a minor, OK.
But, he didn't. He held up a banner which
offended some peon who proceeded to violate
the right of free speech of a minor. This
kind of weak mind should not be in a position
of power over minors or anyone. He should
be taken out and publicly flogged for his
crime against this child. He should lose his
job for the financial damage which his ignorant
actions cost the school system and taxpayers.
LOL! Can I keep it?
It's HUMOR, for crying out loud. Don't be so thinned skinned. He's a funny guy. Give him a chance.
Jung Keun Bong pinch hits for Jesus Alou in the World Baseball Classic?
LOL!
Sure, O.K.
I thought this 'religion' stuff was supposed to be series.
That's the key.
Not mine to give. :)
Actually, that should have said "she."
But, I have changed my mind anyway.
She should be tried for terrorism.
She squashed the right of free speech
in front of the student body, thereby
terrorizing them all. Will any of them
ever be able to speak up in public again?
If I were a lawyer I would start a class
action suit against her and the school.
Selective violation of civil liberties by
employees of the state in order to terrorize
the people into complying with the law is
hypocrisy institutionalized and thereby
her act was an act of treason as it
diminishes the authority of the state.
One of the gifts that God gives us, when we are Born Again into the Spirit of the Lord, is an abundant life. And that's not just series, its hugh. :)
Oh, I see. It's public domain. Thanks for the link. Funny song.
What does that really mean?
"Abundant - Present in great quantity". As in "great quantities" of life.
Thank you.
:-)
"Some sects believe Jesus was actually a sacred mushroom, not an actual physical being..."
Did not know that! But, I did know that some believe
"that Christianity has its origins and nature in fertility cults of the Ancient near east centred on a sacred Mushroom. "---
http://www.meta-religion.com/New_religious_groups/Groups/Christian/sacred_mushroom.htm
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