morse et al frederick argued march decided june event petitioner morse high school principal saw students unfurl banner stating bong hits jesus regarded promoting illegal drug use consistent established school policy prohibiting messages school events morse directed students take banner one students brought banner event respondent frederick refused morse confiscated banner later suspended school superintendent upheld suspension explaining inter alia frederick disciplined banner appeared advocate illegal drug use violation school policy petitioner school board also upheld suspension frederick filed suit alleging school board morse violated first amendment rights district granted petitioners summary judgment ruling entitled qualified immunity infringed frederick speech rights ninth circuit reversed accepting frederick acted activity banner expressed positive sentiment marijuana use nonetheless found first amendment violation school punished frederick without demonstrating speech threatened substantial disruption also concluded morse entitled qualified immunity frederick right display banner clearly established reasonable principal morse position understood actions unconstitutional held schools may take steps safeguard entrusted care speech reasonably regarded encouraging illegal drug use school officials case violate first amendment confiscating banner suspending frederick pp frederick argument school speech case rejected event question occurred normal school hours sanctioned morse approved social event district rules expressly applied teachers administrators among students charged supervising frederick stood among students across street school directed banner toward school making plainly visible students circumstances frederick claim school pp agrees morse viewed banner interpret advocating promoting illegal drug use violation school policy least two interpretations banner words constitute imperative encouraging viewers smoke marijuana alternatively celebrate drug use demonstrate sign promoted use interpretation gains plausibility paucity alternative meanings banner might bear pp principal may consistent first amendment restrict student speech school event speech reasonably viewed promoting illegal drug use tinker des moines independent community school declared holding policy prohibiting high school students wearing antiwar armbands violated first amendment student expression may suppressed unless school officials reasonably conclude materially substantially disrupt work discipline school bethel school dist fraser however upheld suspension student delivered high school assembly speech employing elaborate graphic explicit sexual metaphor analyzing case tinker lower courts found disruption therefore basis discipline reversed holding school within permissible authority imposing sanctions response student offensively lewd indecent speech two basic principles may distilled fraser first demonstrates constitutional rights students public school automatically coextensive rights adults settings fraser delivered speech public forum outside school context protected see school however first amendment rights circumscribed light special characteristics school environment tinker supra second fraser established tinker mode analysis absolute since fraser conduct substantial disruption analysis subsequently held fourth amendment context children assuredly constitutional rights schoolhouse gate nature rights appropriate children school vernonia school dist acton recognized deterring drug use schoolchildren important indeed perhaps compelling interest drug abuse nation youth serious problem example congress declared part school job educating students dangers drug abuse see safe schools communities act petitioners many schools adopted policies aimed implementing message student speech celebrating illegal drug use school event presence school administrators teachers poses particular challenge school officials working protect entrusted care special characteristics school environment tinker governmental interest stopping student drug abuse allow schools restrict student expression reasonably regard promoting abuse distinguished pp reversed remanded roberts delivered opinion scalia kennedy thomas alito joined thomas filed concurring opinion alito filed concurring opinion kennedy joined breyer filed opinion concurring judgment part dissenting part stevens filed dissenting opinion souter ginsburg joined deborah morse et petitioners joseph frederick writ certiorari appeals ninth circuit june chief justice roberts delivered opinion event high school principal saw students unfurl large banner conveying message reasonably regarded promoting illegal drug use consistent established school policy prohibiting messages school events principal directed students take banner one student among brought banner event refused principal confiscated banner later suspended student ninth circuit held principal actions violated first amendment student sue principal damages cases make clear students shed constitutional rights freedom speech expression schoolhouse gate tinker des moines independent community school time held constitutional rights students public school automatically coextensive rights adults settings bethel school dist fraser rights students must light special characteristics school environment hazelwood school dist kuhlmeier quoting tinker supra consistent principles hold schools may take steps safeguard entrusted care speech reasonably regarded encouraging illegal drug use conclude school officials case violate first amendment confiscating banner suspending student responsible january olympic torch relay passed juneau alaska way winter games salt lake city utah torchbearers proceed along street front high school jdhs school session petitioner deborah morse school principal decided permit staff students participate torch relay approved social event class trip app students allowed leave class observe relay either side street teachers administrative officials monitored students actions respondent joseph frederick jdhs senior late school day arrived joined friends one jdhs students across street school watch event students waited patiently became rambunctious throwing plastic cola bottles snowballs scuffling classmates torchbearers camera crews passed frederick friends unfurled banner bearing phrase bong hits jesus app pet cert large banner easily readable students side street principal morse immediately crossed street demanded banner taken everyone frederick complied morse confiscated banner told frederick report office suspended days morse later explained told frederick take banner thought encouraged illegal drug use violation established school policy juneau school board policy board specifically prohibits assembly public expression advocates use substances illegal minors addition juneau school board policy subjects upils participate approved social events class trips student conduct rules apply regular school program frederick administratively appealed suspension juneau school district superintendent upheld limiting time served days memorandum setting forth reasons superintendent determined frederick displayed banner midst fellow students school hours activity explained frederick disciplined principal school message speech appeared advocate use illegal drugs superintendent continued understanding phrase hits reference means smoking marijuana given frederick inability unwillingness express credible meaning phrase agree principal countless others saw banner advocating use illegal drugs frederick speech political advocating legalization marijuana promoting religious belief displaying fairly silly message promoting illegal drug usage midst school activity benefit television cameras covering torch relay frederick speech potentially disruptive event clearly disruptive inconsistent school educational mission educate students dangers illegal drugs discourage use relying decision fraser supra superintendent concluded principal actions permissible frederick banner speech action intrudes upon work schools app pet cert internal quotation marks omitted juneau school district board education upheld suspension frederick filed suit alleging school board morse violated first amendment rights sought declaratory injunctive relief unspecified compensatory damages punitive damages attorney fees district granted summary judgment school board morse ruling entitled qualified immunity infringed frederick first amendment rights found morse reasonably interpreted banner promoting illegal drug use message directly contravened board policies relating drug abuse prevention app pet cert circumstances held morse authority obligation stop messages activity ninth circuit reversed deciding frederick acted activit proceed ing basis banner expressed positive sentiment marijuana use nonetheless found violation frederick first amendment rights school punished frederick without demonstrating speech gave rise risk substantial disruption concluded frederick right display banner clearly established reasonable principal morse position understood actions unconstitutional morse therefore entitled qualified immunity granted certiorari two questions whether frederick first amendment right wield banner whether right clearly established principal may held liable damages resolve first question frederick therefore occasion reach ii outset reject frederick argument school speech case every authority address question see app principal morse app pet cert superintendent school board district ninth circuit event occurred normal school hours sanctioned principal morse approved social event class trip app school district rules expressly provide pupils approved social events class trips subject district rules student conduct app pet cert teachers administrators interspersed among students charged supervising high school band cheerleaders performed frederick standing among jdhs students across street school directed banner toward school making plainly visible students circumstances agree superintendent frederick stand midst fellow students school hours activity claim school uncertainty outer boundaries courts apply precedents see porter ascension parish school facts iii message frederick banner cryptic doubt offensive perhaps amusing others still others probably means nothing frederick claimed words nonsense meant attract television cameras principal morse thought banner interpreted viewing promoting illegal drug use interpretation plainly reasonable one morse later explained declaration saw sign thought reference hit widely understood high school students others referring smoking marijuana app believed display banner construed students district personnel parents others witnessing display banner advocating promoting illegal drug use violation school policy see ibid told frederick members group put banner felt violated school policy displaying material advertises promotes use illegal drugs agree morse least two interpretations words banner demonstrate sign advocated use illegal drugs first phrase interpreted imperative take bong hits message equivalent morse explained declaration smoke marijuana use illegal drug alternatively phrase viewed celebrating drug use bong hits good thing take bong hits discern meaningful distinction celebrating illegal drug use midst fellow students outright advocacy promotion see guiles marineau discussing present case describing sign clearly banner interpretation banner gains plausibility given paucity alternative meanings banner might bear best frederick come banner meaningless funny dissent similarly refers sign message curious post ambiguous nonsense post ridiculous post obscure post silly post quixotic post stupid ibid gibberish surely possible interpretation words banner one dismissing banner meaningless ignores undeniable reference illegal drugs dissent mentions frederick credible uncontradicted explanation message wanted get television post description frederick motive displaying banner interpretation banner says way frederick going fulfill ambition appearing television unfurling banner school event presence teachers fellow students elsewhere opinion dissent emphasizes importance political speech need foster national debate serious issue post suggest banner political speech even frederick argues banner conveys sort political religious message contrary dissent suggestion see post plainly case political debate criminalization drug use possession iv question thus becomes whether principal may consistent first amendment restrict student speech school event speech reasonably viewed promoting illegal drug use hold may tinker made clear first amendment rights applied light special characteristics school environment available teachers students tinker involved group high school students decided wear black armbands protest vietnam war school officials learned plan adopted policy prohibiting students wearing armbands several students nonetheless wore armbands school suspended students sued claiming first amendment rights violated agreed tinker held student expression may suppressed unless school officials reasonably conclude materially substantially disrupt work discipline school essential facts tinker quite stark implicating concerns heart first amendment students sought engage political speech using armbands express disapproval vietnam hostilities advocacy truce make views known example influence others adopt political speech course core first amendment designed protect virginia black interest discerned underlying school actions mere desire avoid discomfort unpleasantness always accompany unpopular viewpoint urgent wish avoid controversy might result expression tinker interest enough justify banning silent passive expression opinion unaccompanied disorder disturbance next student speech case fraser matthew fraser suspended delivering speech high school assembly employed called elaborate graphic explicit sexual metaphor analyzing case tinker district appeals found disruption therefore basis disciplining fraser reversed holding school district acted entirely within permissible authority imposing sanctions upon fraser response offensively lewd indecent speech mode analysis employed fraser entirely clear plainly attuned content fraser speech citing marked distinction political armbands tinker sexual content fraser speech also reasoned school boards authority determine manner speech classroom school assembly inappropriate cf brennan concurring judgment present case school officials sought ensure high school assembly proceed orderly manner suggestion school officials attempted regulate fraser speech disagreed views sought express need resolve debate decide case present purposes enough distill fraser two basic principles first fraser holding demonstrates constitutional rights students public school automatically coextensive rights adults settings fraser delivered speech public forum outside school context protected see cohen california fraser supra school however fraser first amendment rights circumscribed light special characteristics school environment tinker supra second fraser established mode analysis set forth tinker absolute whatever approach fraser employed certainly conduct substantial disruption analysis prescribed tinker supra see kuhlmeier disagreeing proposition difference first amendment analysis applied tinker applied fraser noting holding fraser based showing substantial disruption recent student speech case kuhlmeier concerned expressive activities students parents members public might reasonably perceive bear imprimatur school staff members high school newspaper sued school chose publish two articles appeals analyzed case tinker ruling favor students found evidence material disruption classwork school discipline reversed holding educators offend first amendment exercising editorial control style content student speech expressive activities long actions reasonably related legitimate pedagogical concerns kuhlmeier supra kuhlmeier control case one reasonably believe frederick banner bore school imprimatur case nevertheless instructive confirms principles cited kuhlmeier acknowledged schools may regulate speech even though government censor similar speech outside school like fraser confirms rule tinker basis restricting student drawing principles applied student speech cases held fourth amendment context children assuredly constitutional rights schoolhouse gate nature rights appropriate children school vernonia school dist acton quoting tinker supra particular school setting requires easing restrictions searches public authorities ordinarily subject new jersey see vernonia supra fourth amendment rights less first fourteenth amendment rights different public schools elsewhere board ed independent school dist pottawatomie cty earls needs inhere public school context hile schoolchildren shed constitutional rights enter schoolhouse fourth amendment rights different public schools elsewhere inquiry disregard schools custodial tutelary responsibility children quoting vernonia citation internal quotation marks omitted even point cases also recognize deterring drug use schoolchildren important indeed perhaps compelling interest drug abuse cause severe permanent damage health young people school years time physical psychological addictive effects drugs severe maturing nervous systems critically impaired intoxicants mature ones childhood losses learning lifelong profound children grow chemically dependent quickly adults record recovery depressingly poor course effects school visited upon users upon entire student body faculty educational process disrupted citations internal quotation marks omitted five years ago wrote drug abuse problem among nation youth hardly abated since vernonia decided fact evidence suggests grown worse earls supra problem remains serious today see generally national institute drug abuse national institutes health monitoring future national survey results drug use secondary school students half american graders used illicit drug third graders graders nearly one four graders used illicit drug past month high schoolers say offered sold given illegal drug school property within past year dept health human services centers disease control prevention youth risk behavior surveillance morbidity mortality weekly report surveillance summaries june congress declared part school job educating students dangers illegal drug use provided billions dollars support state local programs brief amicus curiae required schools receiving federal funds safe schools communities act certify drug prevention programs convey clear consistent message illegal use drugs wrong harmful supp iv thousands school boards throughout country including jdhs adopted policies aimed effectuating message see pet cert school boards know peer pressure perhaps single important factor leading schoolchildren take drugs students likely use drugs norms school appear tolerate behavior earls supra breyer concurring student speech celebrating illegal drug use school event presence school administrators teachers thus poses particular challenge school officials working protect entrusted care dangers drug abuse special characteristics school environment tinker governmental interest stopping student drug abuse reflected policies congress myriad school boards including jdhs allow schools restrict student expression reasonably regard promoting illegal drug use tinker warned schools may prohibit student speech undifferentiated fear apprehension disturbance mere desire avoid discomfort unpleasantness always accompany unpopular viewpoint danger far serious palpable particular concern prevent student drug abuse issue embodied established school policy app app pet cert extends well beyond abstract desire avoid controversy petitioners urge us adopt broader rule frederick speech proscribable plainly offensive term used fraser see reply brief petitioners think stretches fraser far case read encompass speech fit definition offensive much political religious speech might perceived offensive concern frederick speech offensive reasonably viewed promoting illegal drug use although accusing decision serious violence first amendment authorizing viewpoint discrimination post opinion stevens dissent concludes might well appropriate tolerate targeted viewpoint discrimination unique setting post understand dissent take position schools required tolerate student advocacy illegal drug use school events even advocacy falls short inviting imminent lawless action see post possible rigid imminence requirement relaxed schools even dissent recognizes issues close enough principal held liable damages instead enjoy qualified immunity actions see post stripped rhetorical flourishes debate dissent opinion less constitutional first principles whether frederick banner constitutes promotion illegal drug use explained view dissent contrary view relatively narrow question hardly justifies sounding first amendment bugle school principals difficult job vitally important one frederick suddenly unexpectedly unfurled banner morse decide act act spot reasonable conclude banner promoted illegal drug use violation established school policy failing act send powerful message students charge including frederick serious school dangers illegal drug use first amendment require schools tolerate school events student expression contributes dangers judgment appeals ninth circuit reversed case remanded proceedings consistent opinion ordered deborah morse et petitioners joseph frederick writ certiorari appeals ninth circuit june justice thomas concurring today decides public school may prohibit speech advocating illegal drug use agree therefore join opinion full write separately state view standard set forth tinker des moines independent community school without basis constitution first amendment congress shall make law abridging freedom speech previously observed first amendment originally understood permit sorts speech instead certain narrowly limited classes speech prevention punishment never thought raise constitutional problem chaplinsky new hampshire see also cox louisiana view history public education suggests first amendment originally understood protect student speech public schools although colonial schools exclusively private public education proliferated early time ratified fourteenth amendment public schools become relatively common reese america public schools common school child left behind hereinafter reese students public schools originally understood rights one expected public schools respected rights courts enforced colonial era private schools tutors offered educational opportunities children teachers managed classrooms iron hand butts cremin history education american culture hereinafter butts public schooling arose part way educate poor afford private schools see kaestle vinovskis apron strings abcs parents children schooling massachusetts sociology supp public schools initially created substitutes private schools developed public education systems early one doubted government ability educate discipline children private schools like private counterparts early public schools places freewheeling debates exploration competing ideas rather teachers instilled core common values students taught reese potter emerson school schoolmaster manual discipline contributes insensibly generate spirit subordination lawful authority power habit postponing present indulgence greater future good parkerson parkerson emergence common school countryside hereinafter parkerson noting early education activists benjamin rush believed public schools help ed control innate selfishness individual teachers instilled values presenting ideas also strict discipline butts schools punished students behavior school considered disrespectful wrong parkerson noting children punished idleness talking profanity slovenliness rules etiquette enforced courteous behavior demanded reese meet educational objectives schools required absolute obedience northend teacher assistant hints methods school discipline instruction consider school judiciously governed order prevails strictest sense propriety manifested pupils towards teacher towards internal quotation marks omitted short earliest public schools teachers taught students listened teachers commanded students obeyed teachers rely solely power ideas persuade relied discipline maintain order legal doctrine loco parentis courts upheld right schools discipline students enforce rules maintain rooted english common law loco parentis originally governed legal rights obligations tutors private schools blackstone commentaries laws england parent may also delegate part parental authority life tutor schoolmaster child loco parentis portion power parent committed charge viz restraint correction may necessary answer purposes employed chancellor james kent noted acceptance doctrine part american law early century kent commentaries american law power allowed law parent person child may delegated tutor instructor better accomplish purpose education early state courts applied loco parentis principle public schools one sacred duties parents train qualify children becoming useful virtuous members society duty effectually performed without ability command obedience control stubbornness quicken diligence reform bad habits teacher substitute parent exercise delegated duties invested power state pendergrass applying loco parentis judiciary reluctant interfere routine business school administration allowing schools teachers set enforce rules maintain order sheehan sturges thus early years public schooling schools teachers considerable discretion disciplinary matters accomplish th desirable ends teaching obedience civic virtues master school necessarily invested much discretionary power must govern pupils quicken slothful spur indolent restrain impetuous control stubborn must make rules give commands punish disobedience rules commands punishments shall imposed necessarily largely within discretion master none defined school board patterson nutter review case law shows loco parentis allowed schools regulate student speech well courts routinely preserved rights teachers punish speech school teacher thought contrary interests school educational goals example vermont upheld corporal punishment student called teacher old jack seaver front students lander seaver explained decision follows anguage used scholars stir disorder subordination heap odium disgrace upon master writings pictures placed suggest evil corrupt language images thoughts youth must frequent school similar acts tend directly impair usefulness school welfare scholars authority master common consent universal custom new england schools master always deemed right punish offences power essential preservation order decency decorum good government schools similarly california appeal upheld expulsion student gave speech student body criticized administration unsafe building possibility fire wooster sunderland cal app punishment appropriate stated speech intended discredit humiliate board eyes students tended impair discipline school likewise missouri explained rule forbade use profane language quarrelling reasonable necessary orderly conduct school deskins gose mo indiana upheld punishment student made distracting demonstrations class breach good deportment vanvactor state ind doctrine loco parentis limited ability schools set rules control classrooms almost way merely limited imposition excessive physical punishment area case law split one line cases specified punishment wholly discretionary long teacher act legal malice cause permanent injury boyd state allowing liability punishment inflicted immoderate excessive induced legal malice wickedness motive another line allowed courts intervene corporal punishment clearly excessive lander supra lines cases courts struck punishments excessively harsh almost never questioned substantive restrictions student conduct set teachers schools sheehan supra gardner state ind anderson state hardy james op ii tinker effected sea change students speech rights extending well beyond traditional bounds case arose school punished several students wearing black armbands school protest vietnam war tinker determining punishment infringed students first amendment rights created new standard students freedom speech public schools finding showing engaging forbidden conduct materially substantially interfere requirements appropriate discipline operation school prohibition sustained internal quotation marks omitted accordingly unless student speech disrupt educational process students fundamental right speak minds wear armbands even matters school disagreed found objectionable ibid school must able show action caused something mere desire avoid discomfort unpleasantness always accompany unpopular viewpoint justice black dissented criticizing subject ing public schools country whims caprices maybe brightest students emphasized instructive purpose schools axpayers send children school premise age need learn teach view decision surrender ed control american public school system public school students course tinker reasoning conflicted traditional understanding judiciary role relation public schooling role limited loco parentis perhaps reason since scaled back tinker standard rather set standard aside ad hoc basis bethel school dist fraser public school suspended student delivering speech contained elaborate graphic explicit sexual metaphor appeals found speech caused disruption tinker standard question holding nonetheless permitted school punish student objectionable content speech high school assembly classroom place sexually explicit monologue directed towards unsuspecting audience teenage students signaling least partial break tinker fraser left regulation indecent student speech local similarly hazelwood school dist kuhlmeier made exception tinker activities characterized newspapers similar activities part school curriculum held ducators entitled exercise greater control forms student expression accordingly expressly refused apply tinker standard instead activities created new standard permitted school regulations student speech reasonably related legitimate pedagogical concerns today creates another exception continue distance tinker neither overrule offer explanation operates ante afraid jurisprudence says students right speak schools except standard continuously developed litigation local schools administrators view petitioners prevail much simpler reason originally understood constitution afford students right free speech public schools iii light history american public education seriously suggested first amendment freedom speech encompasses student right speak public schools early public schools gave total control teachers expected obedience respect students courts routinely deferred schools authority make rules discipline students violating rules several points clear loco parentis speech rules school rules treated identically loco parentis doctrine imposed almost limits types rules school set students school schools teachers tremendous discretion imposing punishments violations rules might suggested early school speech cases dealt slurs profanity criticism withstand scrutiny first state courts repeatedly reasoned schools discretion impose discipline maintain order substance student speech conduct played part analysis second cases involved punishment speech weightier matters instance speech criticizing school administrators creating fire hazard see wooster cal yet courts refused find exception loco parentis even advocacy public safety sure educational system faces administrative pedagogical challenges different faced schools idea treating children though still century find little support today see constitutional imperative requiring public schools allow student speech parents decide whether send children public schools cf hamilton regents univ california drafted called attend university seeking education offered state time insisting excluded prescribed course cardozo concurring parents like rules imposed schools seek redress school boards legislatures send children private schools home school simply move whatever rules apply student speech public schools rules challenged parents political process place democratic regime tinker substituted judicial oversight affairs public schools tinker made little attempt ground holding history education original understanding first instead imposed new malleable standard schools inhibit student speech unless substantially interfere requirements appropriate discipline operation school internal quotation marks omitted inherent application standard judgment calls constitutes interference constitutes appropriate discipline see black dissenting arguing armbands fact caused disruption historically courts reasoned local school districts entitled make calls tinker usurped traditional authority judiciary tinker utterly ignored history public education courts including one routinely find necessary create ad hoc exceptions central premise doctrine exceptions creates confusion without fixing underlying problem returning first principles accept tinker standard subscribe kuhlmeier alternative local school boards courts determine pedagogical interests legitimate rules reasonably relat interests justice black may prophet son prophet dissent tinker proved prophetic name first amendment tinker undermined traditional authority teachers maintain order public schools society generally respected authority teachers deferred judgment trusted act best interest school children accept defiance disrespect disorder daily occurrences many public schools dupre students constitutional rights keeping order public schools geo rev need look case example frederick asserts constitutional right utter school event either ibberish ante open call use illegal drugs elevate impertinence status constitutional protection farcical indeed surrender control american public school system public school students tinker supra black dissenting join opinion erodes tinker hold realm student speech even though adding patchwork exceptions tinker standard think better approach dispense tinker altogether given opportunity deborah morse et petitioners joseph frederick writ certiorari appeals ninth circuit june justice alito justice kennedy joins concurring join opinion understanding goes hold public school may restrict speech reasonable observer interpret advocating illegal drug use provides support restriction speech plausibly interpreted commenting political social issue including speech issues wisdom war drugs legalizing marijuana medicinal use see post stevens dissenting opinion correctly reaffirms recognition tinker des moines independent community school fundamental principle students shed constitutional rights freedom speech expression schoolhouse gate also correct noting tinker permits regulation student speech threatens concrete substantial disruption set ground student speech may regulated state actors way constitutional settings read opinion mean necessarily grounds regulation already recognized holdings addition tinker decision present case allows restriction speech advocating illegal drug use bethel school dist fraser permits regulation speech delivered lewd vulgar manner part middle school program hazelwood school dist kuhlmeier allows school regulate essence school speech articles appear publication official school organ join opinion understanding opinion hold special characteristics public schools necessarily justify speech restrictions opinion endorse broad argument advanced petitioners first amendment permits public school officials censor student speech interferes school educational mission see brief petitioners brief amicus curiae argument easily manipulated dangerous ways reject abuse occurs educational mission public schools defined elected appointed public officials authority schools school administrators faculty result public schools defined educational missions including inculcation whatever political social views held members groups tinker era public school defined educational mission include solidarity soldiers families thus attempted outlaw wearing black armbands ground undermined mission alternatively school defined educational mission include promotion world peace sought ban wearing buttons expressing support troops ground buttons signified approval war educational mission argument give public school authorities license suppress speech political social issues based disagreement viewpoint expressed argument therefore strikes heart first amendment public schools invaluable beneficent institutions organs state public school authorities regulate student speech act agents state stand shoes students parents dangerous fiction pretend parents simply delegate authority including authority determine children may say hear public school authorities even dangerous assume delegation authority somehow strips public school authorities status agents state parents realistically choice send children public school little ability influence occurs school therefore wrong treat public school officials purposes relevant first amendment private nongovernmental actors standing loco parentis reasons argument altering usual free speech rules public schools rest theory delegation must instead based special characteristic school setting special characteristic relevant case threat physical safety students school attendance expose students threats physical safety otherwise face outside school parents attempt protect children many ways may take steps monitor exercise control persons children associate similarly students school may able avoid threatening individuals situations school hours however parents present provide protection guidance students movements ability choose persons spend time severely restricted students may compelled daily basis spend time close quarters students may harm experience shows schools places special danger settings first amendment strongly limits government ability suppress speech ground presents threat violence see brandenburg ohio per curiam due special features school environment school officials must greater authority intervene speech leads violence cases tinker substantial disruption standard permits school officials step actual violence erupts see speech advocating illegal drug use poses threat student safety serious always immediately obvious recognized past opinion today details illegal drug use presents grave many ways unique threat physical safety students therefore conclude public schools may ban speech advocating illegal drug use regard regulation standing far reaches first amendment permits join opinion understanding opinion endorse extension deborah morse et petitioners joseph frederick writ certiorari appeals ninth circuit june justice stevens justice souter justice ginsburg join dissenting significant fact barely mentioned sheds revelatory light motives students principal high school jdhs january olympic torch relay gave alaska residents rare chance appear national television joseph frederick repeatedly explained address curious message bong hits jesus fellow students wanted get camera crews attention moreover concern nationwide evaluation conduct jdhs student body justified principal decision remove banner even merely proclaimed glaciers melt agree principal held liable pulling frederick banner see harlow fitzgerald hold however school interest protecting students exposure speech reasonably regarded promoting illegal drug use ante justify disciplining frederick attempt make ambiguous statement television audience simply contained oblique reference drugs first amendment demands indeed much holds otherwise laboring establish two uncontroversial propositions first constitutional rights students school settings coextensive rights adults see ante second deterring drug use schoolchildren valid terribly important interest see ante first take point message frederick banner necessarily protected speech even though unquestionably banner unfurled elsewhere second willing assume correct pressing need deter drug use supports jdhs rule prohibiting willful conduct expressly advocates use substances illegal minors app pet cert gross non sequitur draw two unremarkable propositions remarkable conclusion school may suppress student speech never meant persuade anyone anything judgment first amendment protects student speech message neither violates permissible rule expressly advocates conduct illegal harmful students nonsense banner neither serious violence first amendment upholding indeed lauding school decision punish frederick expressing view disagreed december engaged controversial war war divided country issues ever tinker des moines independent community school black dissenting learned students planned wear black armbands symbol opposition country involvement vietnam officials des moines public school district adopted policy calling suspension student refused remove armband explained considered propriety policy school officials banned sought punish petitioners silent passive expression opinion unaccompanied disorder disturbance part petitioners district justified censorship ground feared expression controversial unpopular opinion generate disturbances school officials insufficient reason believe disturbances materially substantially interfere requirements discipline operation school found justification rule lack foundation therefore held censorship violated first amendment internal quotation marks omitted justice harlan dissented thought school district censor message disagreed rather upheld district rule students never cast doubt district justification proving rule motivated legitimate school concerns example desire prohibit expression unpopular point view permitting expression dominant opinion two cardinal first amendment principles animate opinion tinker justice harlan dissent first censorship based content speech particularly censorship depends viewpoint speaker subject rigorous burden justification discrimination speech message presumed unconstitutional government targets subject matter particular views taken speakers subject violation first amendment blatant viewpoint discrimination thus egregious form content discrimination government must abstain regulating speech specific motivating ideology opinion perspective speaker rationale restriction rosenberger rector visitors univ citation omitted second punishing someone advocating illegal conduct constitutional advocacy likely provoke harm government seeks avoid see brandenburg ohio per curiam distinguishing mere advocacy illegal conduct incitement imminent lawless action however necessary may modify principles school setting tinker affirmed continuing vitality order state person school officials justify prohibition particular expression opinion must able show action caused something mere desire avoid discomfort unpleasantness always accompany unpopular viewpoint certainly finding showing engaging conduct materially substantially interfere requirements appropriate discipline operation school prohibition sustained internal quotation marks omitted federal courts long recognized tinker regulation student speech generally permissible speech substantially disrupt interfere work school rights students tinker requires specific significant fear disruption remote apprehension disturbance saxe state college area school alito emphasis added yet today fashions test trivializes two cardinal principles upon tinker rests see ante chools may restrict student expression reasonably regard promoting illegal drug use test invites stark viewpoint discrimination case example principal unabashedly acknowledged disciplined frederick disagreed viewpoint ascribed message banner see app viewpoint incidentally frederick disavowed see unlike recent decision tennessee secondary school athletic assn brentwood academy slip see also ante alito concurring holding case strikes heart first amendment upholds punishment meted basis listener disagreement understanding likely misunderstanding speaker viewpoint bedrock principle underlying first amendment government may prohibit expression idea simply society finds idea offensive disagreeable texas johnson also perfectly clear promoting illegal drug use ante comes nowhere close proscribable incitement imminent lawless action brandenburg encouraging drug use might well increase likelihood listener try illegal drug hardly justifies censorship every denunciation existing law tends measure increase probability violation condonation breach enhances probability expressions approval add probability advocacy heightens still even advocacy violation however reprehensible morally justification denying free speech advocacy falls short incitement nothing indicate advocacy immediately acted upon whitney california brandeis concurring one seriously maintains drug advocacy much less frederick ridiculous sign comes within vanishingly small category speech prohibited feared consequences advocacy borrow justice holmes ha chance starting present conflagration gitlow new york dissenting opinion ii rejects outright twin foundations tinker view unusual importance protecting children scourge drugs supports ban speech school environment promotes drug use whether rule sensible matter policy carving speech uniquely harsh treatment finds support case law inimical values protected first see infra nevertheless assume sake argument school concededly powerful interest protecting students adequately supports restriction assembly public expression advocates use substances illegal minors app pet cert given relationship schools students custodial tutelary permitting degree supervision control exercised free adults vernonia school dist acton might well appropriate tolerate targeted viewpoint discrimination unique setting conventional speech may restricted likely incit imminent lawless action brandenburg possible rigid imminence requirement relaxed schools see bethel school dist fraser constitutional rights students public school automatically coextensive rights adults settings one thing restrict speech advocates drug use another thing entirely prohibit obscure message drug theme third party subjectively reasonably thinks tantamount express advocacy cf masses publishing patten sdny hand distinguishing sharply agitation legitimate direct advocacy unlawful conduct even school recognizes paramount need hold line one hand speech merely expresses viewpoint unpopular contrary school preferred message hand advocacy illegal unsafe course conduct district prohibition drug advocacy gloss general rule otherwise quite tolerant student speech students disturbed exercise constitutionally guaranteed rights assemble peaceably express ideas opinions privately publicly provided activities infringe rights others interfere operation educational program board permit conduct school premises willful activity interferes orderly operation educational program offends rights others board specifically prohibits assembly public expression advocates use substances illegal minors app pet cert see also ante quoting rule part absolutely evidence frederick banner reference drug paraphernalia willful ly infringed anyone rights interfered school educational face rule gave frederick wide berth express ideas opinions long amount advoca cy drug use ibid school rule hypothesis valid one valid insofar scrupulously preserves adequate space constitutionally protected speech first amendment rights stake rule sweep great variety conduct general indefinite characterization may leave wide discretion application cantwell connecticut therefore insisted tinker school establish likely connection armbands feared consequences jdhs must show frederick supposed advocacy stands meaningful chance making students try marijuana instead demanding school make showing punts figuring punts tricky mode analysis employ entirely clear see ante occasion suggests deferring principal reasonable judgment frederick sign qualified drug times seems say thinks banner message constitutes express either way approach indefensible extent defers principal ostensibly reasonable judgment abdicates constitutional responsibility beliefs third parties reasonable otherwise never dictated messages amount proscribable advocacy indeed strange constitutional doctrine allow prohibition narrowest category speech advocating unlawful conduct see brandenburg yet permit listener perceptions determine speech deserved constitutional peculiar doctrine alien case law abrams affirmed conviction group russian rebels revolutionists anarchists internal quotation marks omitted ground leaflets distributed thought incite provoke encourage resistance internal quotation marks omitted yet justice holmes dissent emphatically carried day never inquired reasonableness judgment leaflets likely undermine war effort dissent instead ridiculed judgment nobody suppose surreptitious publishing silly leaflet unknown man without present immediate danger opinions hinder success government arms appreciable tendency thomas collins opinion rutledge overturned conviction union organizer violated restraining order forbidding exhorting workers held distinction advocacy incitement depend one workers might understood organizer speech pu speaker circumstances wholly mercy varied understanding hearers consequently whatever inference may drawn intent meaning cox louisiana vacated civil rights leader conviction disturbing peace even though baton rouge sheriff deem ed leader appeal students sit lunch counters never asked sheriff judgment reasonable even fraser made inquiry whether school administrators reasonably thought student speech obscene profane rather satisfied pervasive sexual innuendo fraser speech plainly offensive teachers students indeed mature person cf bose consumers union cases raising first amendment issues repeatedly held appellate obligation make independent examination whole record order make sure judgment constitute forbidden intrusion field free expression internal quotation marks omitted extent independently finds bong hits jesus objectively amounts advocacy illegal drug use words reasonably interpreted conclusion practically refutes nonsense message advocacy feeble effort divine hidden meaning strong evidence ante positing banner might mean alternatively take bong hits hits good thing take bong frederick credible uncontradicted explanation message wanted get television also relevant speaker intend persuade audience hardly said advocating importantly takes real imagination read cryptic message characterization mine see slanting drug reference incitement drug use admittedly high school students including use drugs dumb students however shed brains schoolhouse gate students know dumb advocacy see notion message banner actually persuade either average student even dumbest one change behavior implausible believes silly message proscribed advocacy underscores novelty position suggests principle articulates stopping point even advocacy somehow wedged frederick obtuse reference marijuana advocacy best subtle ambiguous abundant precedent including another opinion chief justice announces today proposition first amendment implicated tie goes speaker federal election wisconsin right life slip comes defining speech qualifies functional equivalent express advocacy give benefit doubt speech censorship post close case tie go frederick speech principal strained reading quixotic message among things categorical approach deaf constitutional imperative permit unfettered debate even among students wisdom war drugs legalizing marijuana medicinal see tinker students may confined expression sentiments officially approved frederick stupid reference marijuana view justify censorship high school students everywhere forgiven zipping mouths drugs school lest reasonable observer censor punish promoting drugs see also ante breyer concurring judgment part dissenting part consider school district rule draws distinction alcohol marijuana applies evenhandedly substances illegal minors app pet cert see also app expressly defining include alcoholic beverages given tragic consequences teenage alcohol consumption drinking causes far fatal accidents misuse marijuana school district interest deterring teenage alcohol use least comparable interest preventing marijuana use reasoning must first amendment give way whenever school seeks punish student speech mentioning beer indeed anything else might deemed risky teenagers find hard believe support punishing frederick flying wine sips jesus banner quite reasonably construed either protected religious message message breathtaking sweep opinion suggests iii although case began silly nonsensical banner ends inventing whole cloth special first amendment rule permitting censorship student speech mentions drugs least long someone perceive speech contain latent message first amendment jurisprudence identified categories expression less deserving protection others fighting words obscenity commercial speech name rather reviewing opinions discussing categories mention two personal recollections doubt influenced conclusion profoundly unwise create special rules speech drug alcohol use vietnam war remembered today unpopular war early stages however dominant opinion justice harlan mentioned tinker dissent regarded opposition war unpatriotic treason dominant opinion strongly supported prosecution several demonstrated grant park democratic convention chicago see dellinger vilification vocal opponents war like julian bond cf bond floyd des moines students wore armbands school district fear might start argument cause disturbance well founded tinker given context special force insistence constitution says must take risk history says sort hazardous freedom kind openness basis national strength independence vigor americans grow live relatively permissive often disputatious society citation omitted know opinion vietnam war etched stone reaching back still current dominant opinion supporting war drugs general antimarijuana laws particular reminiscent opinion supported nationwide ban alcohol consumption student alcoholic beverages regarded ordinary articles commerce use condemned moral fervor supports war drugs ensuing change public opinion occurred much slowly relatively rapid shift americans views vietnam war progressed basis period many years prohibition early secretly questioned thousands otherwise patrons bootleggers speakeasies today actions literally millions otherwise users majority voters several tolerate medicinal uses lead wonder whether fear disapproval majority silencing opponents war drugs surely national experience alcohol make us wary dampening speech suggesting however inarticulately better tax regulate marijuana persevere futile effort ban use entirely even high school rule permits one point view expressed less likely produce correct answers open discussion countervailing views whitney brandeis concurring abrams holmes dissenting tinker national debate serious issue expression minority viewpoint demands protection first amendment whatever better policy may full frank discussion costs benefits attempt prohibit use marijuana far wiser suppression speech unpopular respectfully dissent deborah morse et petitioners joseph frederick writ certiorari appeals ninth circuit june justice breyer concurring judgment part dissenting part need decide difficult first amendment issue merits rather believe simply hold qualified immunity bars student claim monetary damages say resolving first amendment question presented case view unwise unnecessary part question focuses upon specific content narrowly defined may school board punish students speech advocates drug use time underlying facts suggest principal morse acted simply specific content viewpoint joseph frederick speech also surrounding context manner frederick expressed views say school officials might reasonably prohibit students events unfurling banners kind irrelevant inappropriate message designed attract attention television cameras seems unlikely undermine basic first amendment principles hold schools may take steps safeguard entrusted care speech reasonably regarded encouraging illegal drug use schools may restrict student expression reasonably regard promoting illegal drug use quite different matter ante holding based viewpoint restrictions raises host serious concerns one concern holding theoretically limited speech promoting use illegal drugs fact authorize restrictions illegal drugs illegal substances encouraging underage consumption alcohol moreover unclear far rule regarding drug advocacy extends conversation lunch period one student suggests glaucoma sufferers smoke marijuana relieve pain deprecating commentary antidrug film shown school drug messages mixed expressly political content example frederick banner read legalize bong hits might thought receive protection majority rule goes speech encouraging illegal drug use ante emphasis added speech advocating change drug laws might also perceived promoting disregard existing drug laws legal principles must treat like instances alike principles permit treating drug use separately without satisfying explanation drug use sui generis say illegal drug use harmful students surely true constitute satisfying explanation many harms real war one less metaphorical war drugs declined opportunity draw narrow lines cf west virginia bd ed barnette holding students compelled recite pledge allegiance world war ii decline opportunity today although dissent avoids majority pitfalls fear adopted law risk significant interference reasonable school efforts maintain discipline principal student unfurls banner carrying irrelevant inappropriate message event effort capture attention television cameras nothing view principal teacher might reasonably view frederick conduct setting simply beyond pale school official knowing adolescents often test outer boundaries acceptable behavior may believe important offending student classmates establish student gone far neither simply say morse may taken right action confiscating frederick banner wrong reason drug speech teachers neither lawyers police officers law demand fully understand intricacies first amendment jurisprudence majority rightly points circumstances called quick decision see ante noting morse decide act act spot consideration better understood terms qualified immunity first amendment see infra say regardless outcome constitutional determination decision underlying first amendment issue difficult unusually portentous reason us decide issue unless must instances appropriate decide constitutional issue order provide guidance future find much guidance today decision makes clear school officials may restrict student speech promotes illegal drug use may take steps safeguard students speech encourages illegal drug use ante beyond steps prohibit unfurling banners school outings explain restrict ions steps might avoid risk interpretations broad narrow easy offer practically valuable guidance students test limits acceptable behavior myriad ways better known schoolteachers judges school officials need degree flexible authority respond disciplinary challenges law always considered relationship teachers students special circumstances detailed supervision becomes likely law engender disputes among teachers students consequently larger numbers disputes likely make way schoolhouse courthouse yet one wishes substitute courts school boards turn judge chambers principal office order avoid resolving fractious underlying constitutional question need decide different question case presents question qualified immunity see pet cert principle qualified immunity fits case perfectly saying diminish risk bringing adverse consequences identified importantly also adhere basic constitutional obligation avoiding unnecessary decision constitutional questions see ashwander tva brandeis concurring pass upon constitutional question although properly presented record also present ground upon case may disposed ii defense qualified immunity requires courts enter judgment favor government employee unless employee conduct violates clearly established statutory constitutional rights reasonable person known harlow fitzgerald defense designed protect plainly incompetent knowingly violated law malley briggs qualified immunity applies entitles principal morse judgment frederick monetary damages claim clearly violate law confrontation student time confrontation tinker des moines independent community school indicated school officials prohibit students wearing armband protest vietnam war conduct issue materially substantially disrupt work discipline school bethel school dist fraser indicated school officials restrict student freedom give school assembly speech containing elaborate sexual metaphor hazelwood school dist kuhlmeier indicated school officials restrict student contributions newspaper even without threat imminent disruption none cases clearly governs case hand ninth circuit thought clear cases permit morse actions see ninth circuit view case involved neither lewd speech cf fraser supra school sponsored speech cf kuhlmeier supra hence tinker substantial disruption test must guide inquiry see unlike ninth circuit courts described tests cases suggest complex often difficult apply see guiles ex rel guiles marineau entirely clear whether tinker rule applies student speech sponsored schools subject rule fraser whether applies political speech political discrimination baxter vigo cty school pointing fraser cast doubt extent students retain free speech rights school setting indeed fact divides constitutional question majority reverses ninth circuit constitutional determination strongly suggests answer apply prior law facts unclear relative ease decide case qualified immunity ground thereby avoid deciding far difficult constitutional question underscores need lift rigid order battle decisionmaking requirement imposed upon lower courts saucier katz saucier wrote lower courts first inquiry must whether constitutional right violated facts alleged constitutional violation lower courts proceed consider whether official entitled qualified immunity see ibid previously explained believe abandon saucier rule see scott harris slip breyer concurring brosseau haugen breyer concurring sometimes rule require lower courts unnecessarily answer difficult constitutional questions thereby wasting judicial resources sometimes require resolve constitutional issues poorly presented sometimes rule immunize incorrect constitutional holding review often rule violates longstanding principle courts pass questions constitutionality unless adjudication unavoidable spector motor service mclaughlin last point warrants amplification resolving underlying constitutional question produce several differing opinions utterly unnecessary decide case ground qualified immunity decision unanimous dissent concedes morse held liable damages confiscating frederick banner post opinion stevens cardinal principle judicial restraint necessary decide necessary decide pdk drug enforcement cadc roberts concurring part concurring judgment saucier tempts adhere rigid order battle binds lower courts resist temptation saucier bind regardless rule saucier generated considerable criticism commentators judges see leval judging constitution dicta dicta rev calling requirement puzzling misadventure constitutional dictum dirrane brookline police referring requirement uncomfortable exercise answer whether violation may depend kaleidoscope facts yet fully developed lyons xenia sutton concurring saucier justified rule contending necessary permit constitutional law develop see concern overstated overruling saucier mean law prohibited judges passing constitutional questions require given saucier procedural rule stare decisis concerns supporting preservation rule weak see payne tennessee considerations favor stare decisis weakest cases involving procedural evidentiary rules finally several members previously suggested always requiring lower courts first answer constitutional questions misguided see county sacramento lewis stevens concurring judgment resolving constitutional question first inappropriate question difficult unresolved bunting mellen scalia dissenting denial certiorari either make clear constitutional determinations insulated review else drop pretense requiring ordering every case saucier supra ginsburg concurring judgment test today decision imposes holds large potential confuse siegert gilley kennedy concurring plain plaintiff required malice allegations insufficient doubt constitutional right asserted seems reverse usual ordering issues tell trial appellate courts resolve constitutional question first end failed saucier experiment one remaining objection deciding case basis qualified immunity alone plaintiff case sought damages also sought injunction requiring school district expunge suspension records qualified immunity defense applies respect damages actions injunctive relief see wood strickland respect claim underlying question constitutionality least conceivably remains seriously doubt however remain plaintiff request school superintendent reviewed frederick suspension superintendent turn reduced suspension eight days frederick served appeal superintendent noted several actions independent frederick speech supported suspension including plaintiff disregard school official instruction failure report principal office time defiant disruptive behavior belligerent attitude displayed finally reported app pet cert superintendent wrote concede frederick speech protected remainder behavior excused upshot school board refusal erase suspension record may well justified grounds addition plaintiff counsel appeared agree suggestion oral argument frederick pursue injunctive relief prevailed damages question tr oral arg finding morse entitled qualified immunity leave question injunctive relief given high probability frederick request injunction require resolve constitutional issue see ashwander brandeis concurring decide qualified immunity question remand rest case initial consideration footnotes justice breyer rest decision qualified immunity without reaching underlying first amendment question problem approach rather significant one inadequate decide case us qualified immunity shields public officials money damages see wood strickland case frederick asked damages also declaratory injunctive relief app justice breyer proposed decision qualified immunity grounds dispose damages claims frederick claims remain unaddressed get around problem justice breyer hypothesizes frederick suspension target request injunctive relief may well justified grounds see post hypothesis never considered courts never raised parties belied record nowhere suggests suspension justified solely grounds dissent effort find inconsistency approach opinion federal election commission wisconsin right life see post opinion stevens overlooks made clear tinker fraser kuhlmeier student first amendment rights applied light special characteristics school environment tinker see fraser kuhlmeier discussed supra serious argument frederick banner political speech sort issue wisconsin right life footnotes although first amendment apply least ratification fourteenth amendment state constitutions included guarantees period public education expanded cal art conn art ind art even college level strict obedience required students english model fostered absolute institutional control students faculty inside outside classroom early american schools students lived worked vast array rules restrictions relationship student college mirrored situation english schools emphasis hierarchical authority stemmed medieval christian theology unique legal privileges afforded university corporation note vand rev omitted discussion limited elementary secondary education settings courts applied doctrine loco parentis regardless student age see stevens fassett holding student age liab le punishment terms students present pupil received instructed master state mizner iowa sheehan sturges therefore fact frederick minor alaska law inconsequential even courts favor broad discretion given teachers impose corporal punishment recognized law provided cooper mcjunkin ind stating public seem cling despotism government schools discarded everywhere else courts also upheld punishment children refused speak requested teachers see board ed helston app upholding suspension boy refused provide information defaced school building cf sewell board ed defiance union school ohio upholding suspension student failed complete rhetorical exercise allotted time least nominally continued recognize applicability loco parentis doctrine public schools see vernonia school dist acton traditionally common law still today unemancipated minors lack fundamental rights subject control parents guardians parents place minor children private schools education teachers administrators schools stand loco parentis children entrusted citation omitted bethel school dist fraser cases recognize obvious concern part parents school authorities acting loco parentis protect children especially captive audience exposure sexually explicit indecent lewd speech distancing tinker approach fraser quoted justice black dissent tinker tinker claimed hardly argued either students teachers shed constitutional rights freedom speech expression schoolhouse gate unmistakable holding almost years cases cited favor bold proposition support tinker chiefly relies upon meyer nebraska striking law prohibiting teaching german however meyer involved challenge private school meyer quick note challenge made state power prescribe curriculum institutions supports meyer provides absolutely support proposition rights apply within schools operated state notably meyer relied chief support lochner new york line cases line cases long criticized haulers solid waste management authority tinker also relied pierce society sisters pierce nothing say issue either pierce simply upheld right parents send children private school footnotes also seriously question whether ban really enforced consider difficulty monitoring student conversations classes cafeteria also relevant display take place school premises rule contemplates app pet cert separate district rule make policy applicable social events class trips frederick might well thought olympic torch relay neither social event example prom class trip see ante stating principal reasonably regarded frederick banner promoting illegal drug use ante explaining principal morse thought banner interpreted viewing promoting illegal drug use interpretation plainly reasonable one ante asking whether principal may restrict student speech speech reasonably viewed promoting illegal drug use ante holding schools may restrict student expression reasonably regard promoting illegal drug use see also ante alito concurring public school may restrict speech reasonable observer interpret advocating illegal drug use see ante agree morse least two interpretations words banner demonstrate sign advocated use illegal drugs ante observing explained view frederick banner constitutes promotion illegal drug use reasonableness view frederick message unprotected speech relevant ascertaining whether qualified immunity shield principal liability whether actions violated frederick constitutional rights cf saucier katz relevant dispositive inquiry determining whether right clearly established whether clear reasonable officer conduct unlawful situation confronted reasoning applies interpreter listener legislature repeatedly held eference legislative finding certain types speech inherently harmful limit judicial inquiry first amendment rights stake reasoning judicial function commands analysis whether specific conduct charged falls within reach statute whether legislation consonant constitution landmark communications virginia see also whitney california brandeis concurring legislative declaration preclude enquiry question whether time circumstances conditions existed essential validity federal constitution whenever fundamental rights free speech assembly alleged invaded must remain open defendant present issue whether actually exist time clear danger whether danger imminent whether evil apprehended substantial justify stringent restriction interposed legislature legislatures entitled deference whether particular speech amounts clear present danger hard understand blithely defer judgment single school principal affirming frederick suspension jdhs superintendent acknowledged frederick displayed message benefit television cameras covering torch relay app pet cert opinion ignores fact legalization marijuana issue considerable public concern alaska state held alaska constitution protects right adults possess less four ounces marijuana personal use ravin state alaska voters alaska attempted undo decision voting ballot initiative recriminalizing marijuana possession initiative proposal effective mar alaska lexis time frederick unfurled banner constitutionality referendum yet tested subsequently struck unconstitutional see noy state alaska app meantime alaska voters approved ballot measure decriminalizing use marijuana medicinal purposes ballot measure approved alaska codified alaska stat rejected much broader measure decriminalized marijuana possession granted amnesty anyone convicted crimes see ballot measure failed alaska see gonzales raich citing government estimate american users spent billion purchase marijuana noting least nine authorize use marijuana medicinal purposes