If you haven’t learned already, small changes bring big results. The small change in regards to enforcing school policies, now leads into a larger case of Freedom of Speech. Joseph Frederick, a high school senior, displayed a 14-foot banner in the name of humor, “Bong Hits 4 Jesus.”
As a result of Frederick’s display, the sign was confiscated by his principal and he was suspended from school. The student is contesting this response, and has escalated to the United States Supreme Court regarding how far a school’s right to interfere with a student’s right to free speech can reach (such as onto public property).
While I agree that schools need to have policies against harassment and must have a stance on discouraging use of illegal substances, I don’t believe the school’s principal is just in suspending the student from classroom time. If I want to write a sign that says “It’s Miller Time!” then I damn well should retain the right to display a sign like this on a public street. Even a conservative blogger agrees. As long a public display is not slandering or advocating direct substance use, it should be permitted under school jurisdiction.
I fully endorse and support Joseph Frederick’s fight for his civil right to free speech. Damn, I wish he had a blog, cause he’d get some mad hits right about now.
Our country’s forefathers would be turning in their grave, knowing that government institutions continue to impede a student’s right to free speech, rather than embrace our rights in the great country. That’s the point.
[tags] Bong Hits 4 Jesus, Supreme Court, Freedom of Speech, Civil Rights[/tags]