Academia, Bizarre, Constitutional Law

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 thoughts on “Alaska School System Settles “Bong Hits 4 Jesus” Case”

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

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  5. 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?”

  6. 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!

  8. 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?

  9. 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.

  10. 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.

  13. 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.

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