The Juneau Board of Education has agreed to a settlement in the “Bong Hits 4 Jesus” case that led to a Supreme Court decision in its favor. Under the settlement, former Juneau-Douglas High School student Joseph Frederick will receive a $45,000 payment.
The case started when former JDHS Principal Deb Morse suspended Frederick in 2002 during the Olympic Torch Relay for holding up a 14-foot banner across from the high school that read “Bong Hits 4 Jesus.” The case ultimately led to the Supreme Court which ruled in Morse v. Frederick ruling in 2007 for the Board — a decision that I strongly disagreed with and one that has encouraged over-reaching by school officials into protected areas. Frederick, however continued to litigate, claiming among other things that his first amendment speech rights were violated under the Alaskan Constitution.
For a copy of the Morse decision, click here.
For the full story, click here.
Rule 1 of Settlements: No defendant pays in a high profile case unless he/she/it sees some exposure to greater damages. Congratulations to our persistent and youthful defender of our First Amendment rights.
I love the 1st Amendment. I love Jesus. I love bong hits. God bless America.
seamus:
Well said!
What’s not to like? Justice, enlightenment and bong hits aren’t just for breakfast anymore.
Although I always pictured Jesus as more of a joint man than a bong man. Easier to carry papers about in the desert.
True dat. However, the papyrus used at the time made for a very brittle doober. Some of the early Isrealites’ teracota bongs exist to this day in the National Museum in Tel Aviv.
So, if the court endorses a $45,000 dollar worth of bong hits for Jesus settlement, does that create an Establishment Clause problem?
And just how many bong hits can one buy for Jesus with $45,000?
seamus,
I’ve said this before. You are evil!
You’ve also said, with a wink and a smile
things like:
Chris,
You seem very knowledgable concerning swinger clubs:) I always like to read your posts!
Bob,
Are you suggesting this case could be endorsing or creating excessive entanglement with Rastafarianism? In Jah We Trust. lol I’ll believe that when I hear this on C-SPAN: “I and I would like to motion before dis House that the good man from from Wisconsin is bogarting the sacrament! Do I have a second, yeah mon?”
Dear Bob,
Get me the $45,000 and I’ll make sure Jebus is taken care of.
tell this whole thing to the website cannabis college… its based in amsterdam they will have a field day.