Bong Hits for Idiots
UNBELIEVABLE!
Or, what can happen when a group of religious conservatives gain control of the levers of local power. Constitution rights, civil rights, or legalities no longer matter if in conflict with their doctrine.
There is an ongoing story in my hometown of Juneau, Alaska. Viewed from my perspective it certainly seems like an egregious violation of civil rights and malodorous misuse of authority.
THE BASIC FACTS ARE THESE:
1. A local high school Student decides to get some public recognition with a public prank;
2. Student with help of friends, made up a banner with the words “Bong Hits 4 Jesus”
3. High school students were allowed out of class to watch the passing of the Olympic Torch relay in Juneau
4. Banner was displayed across the street from the school;
5. HS Principal Deb Morse ripped banner down;
6. HS principal Deb Morse suspended student ‘for promoting drug use’;
7. Although there was no evidence of drug use, student was 'referred' to drug interdiction program;
8. Student was arrested for ‘trespass’ while off school property, then harassed by police, car towed, searched, student had to walk 3 miles home in 10 degree weather wearing only a T-shirt, etc., etc.;
(The story from the student's perspective can be found here):
9. Student sued school system & principal with help of ACLU;
10. Suit went against student but was appealed to the Ninth US Circuit Court of Appeals where the student’s appeal was upheld;
11. The district school board, dominated by religious conservatives, appealed the Ninth US Circuit ruling to supreme court of the US;
12. Suit was joined by at least two education associations as 'interested parties' - whose admitted interest is solely in protecting the personal liability of educators in enforcing 'school policies'. (The suit also named the principal involved.)
13. Kenneth Starr (Yes, THAT Kenneth Starr) volunteered to take the school’s side on a pro bono basis;
14. Supreme court has agreed to hear the case. The case is Morse and the Juneau School Board et al. v. Frederick (06-278).
15. Case scheduled to be heard in late February, 2007.
An internet search for 'bong hits 4 jesus' will produce a good deal of information on this case. Here are sites for a couple news "articles" on the case.
Maybe the most absurd aspect of this story besides all the money spent, effort wasted and purported desire to 'prevent the promotion of drug use', is this story has had exactly the opposite effect, and in a huge way. Several 'cannabis use' supporters have already picked up on the story. And, of course the notoriety of having this go all the way to the Supreme Court will shine a great big, fresh spotlight on this sorry spectacle.
UNBELIEVABLE!
posted by Gnarly Erik @ 12:52 PM
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