Classic Debate Fodder

Before the Winter Olympics in SLC in 2002, the Olympic torch was carried in a precession across the US. Part of the precession occurred in Alaska, where students were dismissed from a school to walk across the street and cheer. Althogh the school pep band and cheerleaders performed, students were not restricted from simply leaving and going home. In order to attract attention of television cameras that were present, one Joseph Frederick unfurled a banner reading "Bong Hits 4 Jesus." The principal of the school saw the display, walked across the street, told the students to take it down, and when they refused, she tore down the banner herself. Mr. Frederick was subsequently suspended from school for 10 days, on the grounds that his display was disrupting the school environment by encouraging the use of marijuana. Mr. Frederick subsequently sued the school, and the case was appealed all the way to the Supreme Court. God only knows how, but it probably had something to do with the rouge 9th circuit court of appeals which ruled in favor of Mr. Frederick. The ruling of the appelate court was overturned by the Supreme Court.

Nevertheless, this makes the stuff of memorable debates: what should be the limits of schools in restricting free speech? In particular, where should these lines be for displays that are off-campus and technically not at school-sanctioned events?

If you think the law is boring now, just imagine how mind-numbing it would be if people didn't do so many stupid things...