Continuing the Conversation: Speech and Expression in Education John S. Hooks Adams and Reese LLP Inaugural Education Law Conference The University of Mississippi June 14, 2019

Free Speech Congress shall make no law … abridging the freedom of speech U.S. Const. Amend. I

necessity of creating disciplined and orderly learning environments Speech and Expression The Balance: students’ free speech v. necessity of creating disciplined and orderly learning environments

K-12 speech law: From armbands to bong hits Tinker Fraser Kuhlmeier Morse v. Frederick

Tinker’s “Material Disruption Test” Students were permitted to wear armbands in protest of events in Vietnam. Student conduct did not “materially disrupt the work and discipline of the school.”

Material & Substantial Disruption protect the educational process must be more than the discomfort of airing unpopular views must show a reasonable forecast of disruption They are going to do what ?

Fraser: “Pervasively Vulgar” Student was not permitted to make a “vulgar and offensive” speech to a student assembly Schools have responsibility to inculcate “fundamental values necessary to the maintenance of a democratic political system.”

Kuhlmeier: “School Sponsorship” Principal was permitted to censor school newspaper. Schools have great latitude in editing and controlling student expression if it bears the “imprimatur of the school” or is part of the curriculum. School sucks !

Morse v. Frederick 18-year old student suspended for banner reading “Bong Hits for Jesus.” US Supreme Court upheld school: Message (although just off campus, was school-related) Speech promoted illegal drug use School had important interest in deterring drug use.

Limited Forum Restrictions can be placed on student speech when it is. . . materially and substantially disruptive pervasively vulgar or harmful to students perceived as bearing imprimatur of the school

J.S. v. Blue Mountain School District (3rd Cir. Jun. 13, 2011) First Amendment rights of student violated by school when it disciplined her for creating a parody MySpace profile of her principal. Off-campus, home computer Said principal was pedophile, sex addict, and student used profanity.

Layshock v. Hermitage Schol District (3rd Cir. 2011) Another MySpace profile of a principal Off-campus, on home computer

Summary First Amendment rights of students violated in both cases. Tinker not applicable because no substantial disruption. Hazelwood not applicable because off-campus. Concerns about extending reach of schools for off-campus conduct.

Kowalski v. Berkeley County Schools, 652 F.3d 565 (4th Cir. 2011) S.A.S.H (Students Against Sluts Herpes) “No No Herpes, We Don’t want no herpes.” Targeted a particular student Student creating page was suspended 5 days, banned from cheerleading for 90 days 4th Circuit upheld punishment

2012: U.S. Supreme Court refused to hear appeals in all three cases.

Taylor Bell v. Itawamba County School Board, 799 F. 3d 379 (5th Cir School violated student’s First Amendment rights by punishing him for creating a rap song off-campus without school resources that did not create a substantial disruption.

Higher Education Campus Speakers potential disruption / safety time, place, manner restrictions recent state statutes

Higher Education Harassment v. Free Speech implications for academic tenure

Higher Education Student Newspapers and Yearbooks Social Media censoring public comments

Implications What is “speech” anyway? Off-campus v. On-campus Harassment of administrators v. students: A different standard? Don’t overreact (out of emotion)!

To Respond or Not to Respond Courts are split regarding off-campus conduct. Suggestions: Document the material and substantial disruption Report serious issues to administrators / law enforcement / counselors. Contact on-line medium directly. Counsel with student(s) involved. Involve parents.