Analysis
Principle Morse's side
The term “bong hits” is associated with illegal drug use
schools actively prevent a student from advocating illegal drug use.
Students are not permitted free speech if they are promoting illegal activities, such as doing drugs.
But why is it okay for me to feel uncomfortable or threatened in class by what another student wears just because he is allowed to? That his "Abortion Is Murder" t-shirt promotes taking away my rights as a woman?
Then I can put emotions aside and use the ruling of Morse v. Frederick as a precedent to solve my problem to create a more comfortable learning environment.
Frederick's side
All speech can be restricted since speech can easily be misconstrued.
This would drastically undermine the protections of the First Amendment.
First Amendment
Morse v. Frederick
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/bill-of-rights-transcript#toc-amendment-i
Resources
https://goo.gl/images/2Uii8J
https://www.oyez.org/cases/2006/06-278
Landmark Cases. 2002. Street Law, Inc. and the Supreme Court Historical Society.
https://goo.gl/images/6onVhg
https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/bill-of-rights-transcript#toc-amendment-i
Chief Justice John Roberts majority opinion that students do have right to political speech even in school
This does not extend to pro-drug messages.
https://goo.gl/images/6onVhg
https://goo.gl/images/2Uii8J
Frederick student at event held up a banner "bong hits 4 Jesus".
He was suspended for ten days.
Finally Judgement Day
The Supreme Court reversed the Circuit court's decision
ruling that school officials can prohibit students from displaying messages that promote illegal drug use.
In the beginning
Principal Deborah Morse oversees Juneau-Douglas High School event.
There was no rest for Morse
Morse punished Frederick for message rather than for any disturbance
the Circuit Court ruled the punishment was unconstitutional.