Alaska School System Settles “Bong Hits 4 Jesus” Case

4129sThe 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.

13 Responses to “Alaska School System Settles “Bong Hits 4 Jesus” Case”


  1. 1 mespo727272 1, November 6, 2008 at 11:10 am

    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.

  2. 2 seamus 1, November 6, 2008 at 1:32 pm

    I love the 1st Amendment. I love Jesus. I love bong hits. God bless America.

  3. 3 mespo727272 1, November 6, 2008 at 3:42 pm

    seamus:

    Well said!

  4. 4 Buddha Is Laughing 1, November 6, 2008 at 11:45 pm

    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.

  5. 5 seamus 1, November 7, 2008 at 12:58 pm

    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.

  6. 6 Bob, Esq. 1, November 7, 2008 at 1:37 pm

    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?

  7. 7 Jill 1, November 7, 2008 at 1:49 pm

    seamus,

    I’ve said this before. You are evil!

  8. 8 Patty C 1, November 7, 2008 at 2:08 pm

    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!

  9. 9 Buddha Is Laughing 1, November 8, 2008 at 12:11 am

    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?”

  10. 10 seamus 1, November 8, 2008 at 4:28 pm

    Dear Bob,

    Get me the $45,000 and I’ll make sure Jebus is taken care of.

  11. 11 BongMaker12 1, August 11, 2009 at 12:23 am

    tell this whole thing to the website cannabis college… its based in amsterdam they will have a field day.


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