BONG HiTS 4 JESUS
The BONG HiTS 4 JESUS decision, issued June 25, 2007, holds that a public school principal may, consistent with the First Amendment, restrict student speech at a school event, when that speech is reasonably viewed as promoting illegal drug use. Morse v. Frederick, at page 8. Schools “may take steps to safeguard those entrusted to their care from speech that can reasonably be regarded as encouraging illegal drug use.” Morse, at page 2. The decision is both clear and limited in holding nonsensical speech about illegal drugs can be prohibited in public schools.
The Supreme Court characterized the speech at issue, “Bong hits 4 Jesus” written on a 14 foot banner, as “cryptic,” perhaps offensive to some, funny to others, and meaningless to many. According to the student, it was just “nonsense meant to attract television cameras.” Morse at 6. And it was not political. Morse at 8. It nonetheless had an unmistakable message of some sort about drug use. “Gibberish is surely a possible interpretation of the words on the banner, but it is not the only one, and dismissing the banner as meaningless ignores its undeniable reference to illegal drugs.” Morse at 7. Accordingly, the banner, unfurled during a school activity, and its speech were not protected by the First Amendment.
Analysis follows.
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