Redhots
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- Apr 9, 2006
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Bong Hits 4 Jesus case to U.S. Supreme Court?
Former Clinton prosecutor Ken Starr asks court to hear free-speech case
JUNEAU, Alaska - Former Whitewater special counsel Kenneth Starr petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court to take up Alaskas Bong Hits 4 Jesus case, a dispute involving a high school student, a banner and a tough school policy.
Starr, who gained national prominence while investigating former President Clintons Whitewater land deal and relationship with Monica Lewinsky, filed the petition Monday on behalf of the Juneau School District in response to a March ruling by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.
The appeals court sided with a high school student who displayed a banner reading Bong Hits 4 Jesus during an Olympic torch relay in 2002. It ruled former Juneau-Douglas High School principal Deborah Morse violated former student Joseph Fredericks free speech rights.
The U.S. Supreme Court petition must receive a minimum of four of the nine justices votes to be heard.
Frederick, then a senior, was off school property when he hoisted the banner but was suspended for violating the schools policy of promoting illegal substances at a school-sanctioned event.
The principals actions were so outrageous, basically leaving school grounds and punishing a student for a message that is not damaging to the school, said his attorney, Doug Mertz.
Superintendent Peggy Cowan said clarification is needed on the rights of administrators when it comes to disciplinary action of students who break the districts drug message policy.
The districts decision to move forward is not disrespectful to the First Amendment or the rights of students, she said. This is an important question about how the First Amendment applies to pro-drug messages in an educational setting.
Starr, of the Los Angeles-based firm Kirkland & Ellis, took the case pro bono.
The outcome could have implications on how student-conduct policies are enforced around the nation, said Eric Hagen, one of two other attorneys from Starrs office named on the petition.
It makes it a little harder when teachers and principals in their daily duties might be subject to a damages lawsuit and be held personally liable, Hagen said.
http://msnbc.msn.com/id/11767029/?GT1=8404
:bong420:
Former Clinton prosecutor Ken Starr asks court to hear free-speech case
JUNEAU, Alaska - Former Whitewater special counsel Kenneth Starr petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court to take up Alaskas Bong Hits 4 Jesus case, a dispute involving a high school student, a banner and a tough school policy.
Starr, who gained national prominence while investigating former President Clintons Whitewater land deal and relationship with Monica Lewinsky, filed the petition Monday on behalf of the Juneau School District in response to a March ruling by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.
The appeals court sided with a high school student who displayed a banner reading Bong Hits 4 Jesus during an Olympic torch relay in 2002. It ruled former Juneau-Douglas High School principal Deborah Morse violated former student Joseph Fredericks free speech rights.
The U.S. Supreme Court petition must receive a minimum of four of the nine justices votes to be heard.
Frederick, then a senior, was off school property when he hoisted the banner but was suspended for violating the schools policy of promoting illegal substances at a school-sanctioned event.
The principals actions were so outrageous, basically leaving school grounds and punishing a student for a message that is not damaging to the school, said his attorney, Doug Mertz.
Superintendent Peggy Cowan said clarification is needed on the rights of administrators when it comes to disciplinary action of students who break the districts drug message policy.
The districts decision to move forward is not disrespectful to the First Amendment or the rights of students, she said. This is an important question about how the First Amendment applies to pro-drug messages in an educational setting.
Starr, of the Los Angeles-based firm Kirkland & Ellis, took the case pro bono.
The outcome could have implications on how student-conduct policies are enforced around the nation, said Eric Hagen, one of two other attorneys from Starrs office named on the petition.
It makes it a little harder when teachers and principals in their daily duties might be subject to a damages lawsuit and be held personally liable, Hagen said.
http://msnbc.msn.com/id/11767029/?GT1=8404
:bong420:
