Video: U.S. Supreme Court Upholds Suspension Of Itawamba Student
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WASHINGTON (AP) – The Supreme Court is staying out of an interesting free speech debate about the power of school officials to discipline students for things they write or say away from school.
The justices on Monday left in place the suspension of a Mississippi high school student who posted a rap song online that criticized two coaches over allegations they behaved inappropriately toward female students.
Student Taylor Bell recorded the song at a professional studio over winter break and then posted it on his Facebook page in February 2011.
Bell sued after Itawamba Agricultural High School in Fulton, Mississippi, suspended him for seven days. Lower courts upheld the suspension, saying it made no difference where Bell made and distributed the song.
Superintendent of Education Michael Nanney says the ruling is a win for districts everywhere.
We are very pleased with the United States Supreme Court’s decision not to hear this case and allow the 5th circuit enbanc ruling to stand. This decision helps school districts maintain discipline and sends a message that threats of violence against school personnel will not be tolerated.
The case is Bell v. Itawamba School Board, 15-666.
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