Opinion ID: 197368
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: The Yearbook Ad

Text: On November 1, 1993, Yeo, as Chairman of LEXNET, submitted a full page ad to the 1994 LHS Yearbook. The ad copy read: We know you can do it! ABSTINENCE: The Healthy Choice Sponsored by: Lexington Parents Information Network(LEXNET) Post Office Box 513, Lexington Massachusetts 02173. The ad was accompanied by a check for $200.00. Mechem, the Yearbook advisor, acknowledged receipt of the check and placed the ad in a drawer without giving it a second thought. In keeping with Yearbook procedures, the LEXNET ad was warehoused in a drawer with other ads pending submission to the publisher for the printing of proofs. Natalie Berger, a senior and co-editor-in-chief, noticed the ad in the drawer and felt that the ad was out of context with the advertising section of the Yearbook. However, she -9- decided to postpone a publication decision until she saw the ad in proof form, which was typically when critical editorial decisions were made. In January 1994, a large number of proofs, including those of Yeo's ad, came back from the printer. All the student editors attended an editorial meeting at which they looked over the various ads and copy. After much discussion, the editors decided that Yeo's ad was a political advocacy statement that was out of context with the rest of the Yearbook and that had no place in that publication. Although the students decided to reject the ad as drafted, they still wished to include a message from LEXNET if the ad could be rewritten to conform with the rest of the Yearbook. The students did not consult with Mechem or any other member of the faculty or administration prior to making this decision. The Yearbook editors asked Mechem to notify Yeo of their decision. The students also asked Mechem to convey their request that Yeo's ad be revised to express a congratulatory graduation message. On February 1, 1994, Mechem called Yeo, and told him that the students would like to have the ad rewritten. Yeo refused to revise the ad and threatened to sue the Yearbook unless his ad was published as submitted. -10- The student editors discussed the issue again, and decided to stand by their original decision to reject Yeo's ad. They asked Mechem to write to Yeo, returning his check. On February 4, Mechem wrote to Yeo: Because of the non-controversial nature of the advertising section of the yearbook, we have decided not to print the advertising you have submitted. Please accept my apologies for the inconvenience that our reviewing procedure may have caused. A $200 check was enclosed. Mechem told Principal Wilson about Yeo's ad and the students' decision to reject it. Yeo replied by fax on February 13, 1994, writing: Based on our understanding of the right of equal access and free speech, we do not accept your rejection of our ad and ask that you reconsider your decision to censor it. We will not be cashing your check at this time. Should you not reverse your decision, we will avail ourselves of every possible avenue open to us in order to protect our rights as advertisers.