News: Bong Hits 4 Jesus

The Supreme Court granted certiorari to a case where a school suspended a student for violating a school policy prohibiting the promotion of illegal drug use. The student, who displayed a large banner reading "Bong Hits 4 Jesus," was on a public sidewalk but was just outside the school. Students and teachers had been let out to watch the Olympic torch relay (the case was originally started in 2002, and like almost all appeals, it took years to reach the high court).

There are decent arguments on both sides, it seems. The student claims his First Amendment rights were violated. The school argues it has a right to restrict speech like this.

One way to think about these things is to consider the consequences of adopting one rule over the other.

If you allow the school to suspend this kid, than anyone who wears a shirt or a backpack containing an unpopular or political message could potentially be punished under the guise of protecting students.

If you allow the kid to do whatever he wants with regards to banners and such, you open the door for all sorts of nutjobs to proselytize/advertise/shock kids right outside the school when they walk to the school bus.

Consequences, always consequences.