Bong Hits 4 Jesus

In 2002, then high school senior Joseph Frederick unfurled a 14-foot banner reading "Bong Hits 4 Jesus" during a school field trip to watch the Olympic torch pass through Juneau, Alaska. TV cameras soon picked up the story, especially... [more]

In 2002, then high school senior Joseph Frederick unfurled a 14-foot banner reading "Bong Hits 4 Jesus" during a school field trip to watch the Olympic torch pass through Juneau, Alaska. TV cameras soon picked up the story, especially after his principal at the time, Deborah Morse, ripped down the banner and suspended Joseph Frederick for 10 days. Frederick sued regarding his freedom of speech, and the case exploded into the mainstream media.

The U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals found in favor of Frederick, ruling that school officials may not "punish and censor non-disruptive" speech by students at school-sponsored events. But then former Whitewater prosecutor Kenneth Starr got involved and asked the courts to re-evaluate the decision.

In June 2007, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the school administrators and decided that schools are allowed to prohibit students from promoting illegal drug use.

Follow this case as well as the topic of freedom of speech within schools and educational environments. Post an article to share your opinion.