Supreme Court Decision: Bong Hits for Jesus

[1968]

Regarding the "Bong Hits for Jesus" banner, did the Supreme Court make the right decision? They found (6 to 3) that: "Because schools may take steps to safeguard those entrusted to their care from speech that can reasonably be regarded as encouraging illegal drug use, the school officials in this case did not violate the First Amendment by confiscating the pro-drug banner and suspending Frederick."

If a student were to use this banner while protesting for the decriminalization of marijuana (i.e. a different intent), would it (or should it) be a violation of the First Amendment if the school removed it?

Story:
http://www.cnn.com/2007/LAW/06/25/fr...ech/index.html

Opinion(s) of the Supreme Court:
http://caselaw.lp.findlaw.com/script...0&invol=06-278

[chip anderson]

I guess only you folks that have evolved even knows what "bong hits" are, I sho don't.

[MarcE]

The little known truth is that we don't have totally free speech in ANY location and at ANY time. Could I sue my employer for firing me after calling a co-worker a racial slur. Yes I could but, I wouldn't win my suit. Free speech doesn't apply in the workplace, it doesn't apply in school either.
The guy can lobby, petition, march, display signs, sing songs or whatever he wants to argue for the decriminalization of drugs or any other cause; just not at school, work, in my front lawn, other private property that isn't approved by the owner, . . .

I guess put another way. You are free to say whatever you want. But the school is also free to expell you for what you say. Your employer is also free to fire you for what you say.

[gemstone]

If a student were to use this banner while protesting for the decriminalization of marijuana (i.e. a different intent), would it (or should it) be a violation of the First Amendment if the school removed it?

Story:
http://www.cnn.com/2007/LAW/06/25/fr...ech/index.html

Opinion(s) of the Supreme Court:
http://caselaw.lp.findlaw.com/script...0&invol=06-278

At least the judges told Fredrick how to PROPERly display this banner.

[1968]

You are free to say whatever you want. But the school is also free to expell you for what you say.

Disruptive behavior should not be allowed, however, in some cases there may be much subjectivity in that determination. One of the dissenters wrote: "One concern is that, while the holding is theoretically limited to speech promoting the use of illegal drugs, it could in fact authorize further viewpoint-based restrictions.... What about a conversation during the lunch period where one student suggests that glaucoma sufferers should smoke marijuana to relieve the pain?"

[1968]

You are free to say whatever you want. But the school is also free to expell you for what you say. Your employer is also free to fire you for what you say.

But can they fire you for lap dances...?

http://www.kptv.com/news/13601037/detail.html