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Teenagers Have Rights, Too

Schools shouldn't use high court ruling to silence 'disruptive' students

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Jul 12, 2008 7:10 PM CDT
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(Newser) – "Teenagers have constitutional rights." That shouldn’t be controversial, but several schools are in court arguing that the First Amendment doesn't apply to students, writes Frank LoMonte in the Seattle Post-Intelligencer. Morse v. Frederick set a precedent last year, when Supreme Court judges ruled that students could be punished for a “Bong Hits 4 Jesus” banner—even though it was off school grounds.

With the same logic, a Connecticut appeals court has decided that a student can be punished for posting a blog against a school board decision. The court called the post “disruptive” to the school. But there are many disruptive things students can and should be free to say, LoMonte argues. “If schools want to put court-approved muzzles on kids, then we'd better speak for them—loud and clear.”

Students protest in front of the U.S. Supreme Court building March 19, 2007 in Washington, DC.
Students protest in front of the U.S. Supreme Court building March 19, 2007 in Washington, DC.   (Getty Images)
Schools are aiming to silence students, even if they're speaking on their personal time.
Schools are aiming to silence students, even if they're speaking on their personal time.   (Shutterstock)
Former Juneau, Alaska High School principle Deborah Morse speaks to reporters outside the Supreme Court, March 19, 2007. Morse was the plaintiff in a case being used to restrict student speech.
Former Juneau, Alaska High School principle Deborah Morse speaks to reporters outside the Supreme Court, March 19, 2007. Morse was the plaintiff in a case being used to restrict student speech.   (AP Photo)
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education • First Amendment • school • US Supreme Court • freedom of speech

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