Schools have the right to limit student speech that could be interpreted as advocating use of illicit drugs, the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled.

The Associated Press reported June 25 that a divided court ruled against a Juneau, Alaska student who raised a banner with the words "Bong Hits for Jesus" at a school-sponsored outing in 2002. Students at the school were let out to witness the passing Olympic torch relay; student Joseph Frederick raised his banner on a public sidewalk across the street from the school.

Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts wrote that schools have the power to limit speech regarding illicit drugs. "The message on Frederick's banner is cryptic," wrote Roberts. "But Principal [Deborah] Morse thought the banner would be interpreted by those viewing it as promoting illegal drug use, and that interpretation is plainly a reasonable one."

Frederick denied he was advocating drug use, saying he took the "Bong Hits 4 Jesus" phrase from a snowboard slogan and that it was intended as nonsense. Morse seized the banner and suspended Frederick.