Legal Document

484 U.S. 260 108 S.Ct. 562 98 L.Ed.2d 592 HAZELWOOD SCHOOL DISTRICT, et al., Petitionersv.Cathy KUHLMEIER al. No. 86-836. Argued Oct. 13, 1987. Decided Jan. 1988. Syllabus Respondents, former high school students who were staff members of the school's newspaper, filed suit in Federal District Court against petitioners, district and officials, alleging that respondents' First Amendment rights violated by deletion from a certain issue paper two pages included an article describing students' experiences with pregnancy another discussing impact divorce on at school. The newspaper was written edited journalism class, as part curriculum. Pursuant to practice, teacher charge submitted page proofs principal, objected story because pregnant students, although not named, might be identified text, he believed article's references sexual activity birth control inappropriate for some younger students. principal furnished name (deleted final version) student complained her father's conduct, student's parents should have been given opportunity respond remarks or consent their publication. Believing there no time make necessary changes articles if issued before end year, directed which they appeared withheld publication even though other, unobjectionable such pages. held violation had occurred. Appeals reversed. Held: Respondents' violated. Pp. 266-276. (a) public schools are automatically coextensive adults other settings, must applied light special characteristics environment. A need tolerate speech is inconsistent its basic educational mission, government could censor similar outside 266-267. (b) here cannot characterized forum expression. School facilities may deemed forums only authorities policy practice opened indiscriminate use general public, segment organizations. If instead reserved intended purposes, communicative otherwise, then has created, officials impose reasonable restrictions teachers, community. this case did deviate newspaper's production curriculum regular classroom under teacher's almost every aspect evince any intent open paper's reporters editors, body generally. Accordingly, entitled regulate contents manner. 267-270. (c) standard determining when punish expression happens occur premises refuse lend resources dissemination Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community Dist., 393 503, 89 733, 21 731, distinguished. Educators do offend exercising editorial over style content school-sponsored expressive activities so long actions reasonably related legitimate pedagogical concerns. 270-273. (d) acted requiring article, appear same newspaper. 274-273. 795 F.2d 1368 (CA8 1986), WHITE, J., delivered opinion Court, REHNQUIST, C.J., STEVENS, O'CONNOR, SCALIA, JJ., joined. BRENNAN, dissenting opinion, MARSHALL BLACKMUN, joined, post, p. 277. Robert P. Baine, Jr., Clayton, Mo., petitioners. Leslie D. Edwards, St. Louis, respondents. Justice WHITE Court. 1 This concerns extent educators exercise produced 2 * Petitioners Hazelwood Louis County, Missouri; various officials; Eugene Reynolds, East High School; Howard Emerson, district. Respondents three Spectrum, They contend deleting May 1983, Spectrum. 3 Spectrum Journalism II class East. published weeks during 1982-1983 year. More than 4,500 copies distributed year personnel, 4 Board Education allocated funds annual budget printing These supplemented proceeds sales expenses totaled $4,668.50; revenue $1,166.84. costs associated newspaper—such supplies, textbooks, portion salary—were borne entirely Board. 5 course taught Stergos most academic left take job private industry April 29, 13 edition nearing completion, petitioner Emerson took his place adviser remaining term. 6 spring 1983 semester submit each Principal Reynolds review prior On 10, scheduled edition. One stories described pregnancy; discussed 7 concerned that, used false names "to keep identity these girls secret," still identifiable text. He also In addition, father "wasn't spending enough my mom, sister I" divorce, "was always out town business late playing cards guys," "always argued about everything" mother. App. Pet. Cert. 38. unaware deleted version article. 8 press run would delayed significant extent. concluded options circumstances publish four-page planned six-page eliminating offending appeared, all. withhold containing divorce.1 informed superiors decision, concurred. 9 subsequently commenced action United States Eastern Missouri seeking declaration violated, injunctive relief, monetary damages. After bench trial, denied injunction, holding 607 F.Supp. 1450 (1985). 10 restraints " 'an integral function' "—including class—so decision 'a substantial basis.' Id., 1466 (quoting Frasca Andrews, 463 1043, 1052 (EDNY 1979)). court found Reynolds' concern anonymity lost privacy invaded "legitimate reasonable," "the small number several identifying disclosed article." F.Supp., 1466. justified avoid impression [the school] endorses norms subjects" shield exposure unsuitable material. Ibid. seen response invasion raised named remarks. Because indicate offered allegations, said court, cause "serious doubt complied rules fairness field covered textbook class." 1467. Furthermore, full those modified address concerns, based "reasonable belief immediate modifications question." 11 Eighth Circuit (1986). outset "a adopted curriculum," id., 1373, but forum, "intended operated conduit viewpoint." 1372. Spectrum's status precluded censoring except 'necessary material interference work discipline . others.' 1374 511, 739, 731 (1969)). 12 "no evidence record forecast censored materials materially disrupted classwork rise disorder school." F.2d, 1375. ground others, according resulted tort liability libel maintained subjects families. We granted certiorari, 479 1053, 107 926, 93 978 (1987), we now reverse. 14 Students "shed constitutional freedom schoolhouse gate." Tinker, supra, U.S., 506, S.Ct., 736. punished merely expressing personal views premises—whether "in cafeteria, field, campus authorized hours," 512-513, 739-740—unless reason believe will "substantially interfere impinge upon students." 509, 738. 15 nonetheless recognized "are settings," Bethel 403 Fraser, 478 675, 682, 106 3159, 3164, 92 549 (1986), "applied environment." 736; cf. New Jersey T.L.O., 469 325, 341-343, 105 743-744, 83 720 "basic mission," 685, 3165, Fraser disciplined having "sexually explicit" legally obscene official assembly, "disassociate itself" manner demonstrate others vulgarity "wholly 'fundamental values' education." 685-686, 3165. thus "[t]he determination what assembly properly rests board," 683, rather federal courts. It context claims considered. A. 16 deal first question whether appropriately possess all attributes streets, parks, traditional "time mind, purposes communicating thoughts between citizens, questions." Hague CIO, 307 496, 515, 59 954, 964, L.Ed. 1423 (1939). Cf. Widmar Vincent, 454 263, 267-268, n. 5, 102 269, 273, 70 440 (1981). Hence, "by practice" "for public," Perry Assn. Local Educators' Assn., 460 37, 47, 103 948, 956, 74 794 (1983), 46, 7, 955, (citing Vincent ). "communicative otherwise," 7. "The does create inaction permitting limited discourse, intentionally opening nontraditional discourse." Cornelius NAACP Legal Defense & Educational Fund, Inc., 473 788, 802, 3439, 3449, 87 567 17 toward reflected Policy 348.51 Curriculum Guide. provided "[s]chool sponsored publications developed within implications activities." 22. Guide "laboratory situation applying skills learned I." 11. lessons course, Guide, development journalistic deadline pressure, legal, moral, ethical imposed journalists community," "responsibility acceptance criticism opinion." faculty member hours. received grades credit performance course. 18 "regular activit[y]." Stergos, "both authority fact exercised great Spectrum." 1453. For example, selected editors dates, decided issue, assigned ideas members, advised stories, reviewed quotations, letters editor, dealt company. Many decisions made without consultation it "clear Mr. respect including content." Moreover, after finally approved successor, assertion "practically anything" therefore dismissed simply "not credible." 1456. factual findings amply supported record, rejected clearly erroneous Appeals. 19 relied finding see 1372-1373, equivocal best. 348.51, stated restrict free diverse viewpoints responsible journalism," "developed implications." infer text retained ultimate constituted "responsible journalism" Although Statement September 14, 1982, declared "Spectrum, student-press publication, accepts implied Amendment," statement, understood role curriculum, suggests administration attend reflect expand converting curricular into forum.2 Finally, permitted fully consistent objective teaching "leadership responsibilities editors." teach leadership hardly implies relinquish activity. sum, fails forum," Cornelius, 3449-3450, existed cases created. See 802-803, 3449-3450 267, 273; Madison Wisconsin Employment Relations Comm'n, 429 167, 174, 6, 97 421, 426, 50 376 (1976); Southeastern Promotions, Ltd. Conrad, 420 546, 555, 95 1239, 1245, 43 448 (1975)). either practice," "indiscriminate use," ibid., Instead, "reserve[d] purpos[e]," supervised learning experience standard, our governs case. B 20 requires particular speech—the addressed Tinker—is different affirmatively promote speech. addresses educators' ability silence premises. latter publications, theatrical productions, parents, perceive bear imprimatur fairly setting, designed impart knowledge participants audiences.3 greater second form assure learn whatever teach, readers listeners exposed level maturity, individual speaker erroneously attributed capacity publisher producer play itself," [its] students," 738, is, ungrammatical, poorly written, inadequately researched, biased prejudiced, vulgar profane, immature audiences.4 able set standards disseminated auspices higher demanded publishers producers "real" world—and disseminate meet standards. account emotional maturity audience potentially sensitive topics, range existence Santa Claus elementary setting particulars teenage setting. retain sponsor perceived advocate drug alcohol use, irresponsible sex, conduct otherwise shared values civilized social order," associate position neutrality matters political controversy. Otherwise, unduly constrained fulfilling instrument awakening child cultural values, preparing him later professional training, helping adjust normally Brown Education, 347 483, 493, 686, 691, 873 (1954). 22 conclude articulated expression.5 hold concerns.6 23 oft-expressed view education Nation's youth primarily responsibility state local judges. See, e.g., Hendrick Hudson Central Dist. Rowley, 458 176, 208, 3034, 3051, 73 690 (1982); Wood Strickland, 308, 326, 992, 1003, 214 (1975); Epperson Arkansas, 97, 104, 266, 270, 228 (1968). production, vehicle valid purpose "directly sharply implicate[d]," require judicial intervention protect rights.7 III 24 25 initial paragraph "[a]ll changed secret." adequately protected, however, information Indeed, credibly testified she positively identify least one possibly three. likely many successful girls. feared pledge sufficiently interests boyfriends offer response. contain graphic accounts comment concerning histories nonuse control. unreasonable frank talk 14-year-old freshmen presumably taken home read brothers sisters. 26 quoted comments critical father. publicly inattentive parent—indeed, chose "playing guys" family—was defend himself matter fairness. both advisers allowed printed name.8 27 trial extended telephone conversation articles, immediately true verify volunteer until made. agree excise problematic very recent replacement familiar procedures, pressure felt deprived altogether. 28 reject conclusion neither nor suitable mastered portions pertained treatment controversial issues attacks, individuals whose intimate revealed [a] community" includes adolescent readers. principal's delete modified, them. occurred.9 29 judgment 30 Reversed. whom BLACKMUN join, dissenting. 31 When young men women registered II, expected civics lesson. publish, just prepare papers hone writing skills, established give express while gaining appreciation Constitution. ." 1368, 1373 1986). "[A]t beginning year," 1372, Policy—tacitly authorities—announcing expectation Amendment. Only 'materially substantially interferes requirements appropriate discipline' can unacceptable prohibited." 513, 740, (1969)).1 board itself guaranteed atmosphere conducive fostering panoply press. "School publications," vowed, "will journalism." (Board 348.51). 32 arose breached own promise, dashing expectations. explanation, excised six articles—comprising pages—of "materially discipline," considered "inappropriate, personal, sensitive, unsuitable" consumption. 1371. 33 broke more promise. Amendment's prohibitions censorship disrupts invades narrowly tailored serve purpose. 34 Public serves vital national life increasingly complex society duties citizenship democratic Republic. conveys tools required survive in, contribute to, society. inculcates tomorrow's leaders "fundamental maintenance system. Ambach Norwick, 441 68, 77, 99 1589, 1595, 60 49 (1979). All while, educator nurtures moral transmitting them dogma 'community values.' Pico, 457 853, 864, 2799, 2806, 435 (1982) (plurality opinion) (citation omitted). 35 educator's task weighty delicate indeed. demands particularized supremely subjective choices among curricula, stances inculcate methodologies doing so. traditionally "daily operation systems" boards. (1968); 863-864, 2806. not, hesitated intervene where afoul Edwards Aguillard, 482 578, 2573, 96 510 (1987) (striking statute forbade evolution unless accompanied instruction theory "creation science"); supra (school remove books library shelves disapproves express); state-law prohibition Darwinian school); West Virginia Barnette, 319 624, 63 1178, 1628 (1943) (public compel salute flag); Meyer Nebraska, 262 390, 625, 67 1042 (1923) (state law prohibiting foreign languages unconstitutional). 36 Free undoubtedly sometimes effectiveness functions. Some brands directly preventing pursuing mission: polemic stands soapbox calculus deliver eloquent diatribe calculus. And delivers lewd endorsement student-government candidate extremely distract impressionable orderly Other speech, frustrates message conflicts school's, interfering message: responds science retort, "socialism good," subverts inculcation capitalism better. Even maverick sits passively sporting symbol protest policy, (1969), gossip commons swapping escapade readily muddle clear condoning condemning sex. Likewise, like odds stance subvert administration's perception community values. 37 mere incompatibility constitutionally sufficient justification suppression organizations foregoing hypotheticals, "enclaves totalitarianism," "strangle mind source," 637, 1185. permits blanket authority. While "constitutional gate," Just street corner must, interest "enlightened opinion," Cantwell Connecticut, 310 296, 310, 900, 906, 84 1213 (1940), "tempt[s] listener] throw speaker] off street," 309, accommodate offends offers contradict wishes inculcate. 38 struck balance. expression—there suspension removed armbands protesting Vietnam war—is unconstitutional involves others. 740. suppress "silent, passive unaccompanied disturbance of" speaker. 508, 737. "mere desire discomfort unpleasantness accompany unpopular viewpoint," unsavory subject, 688-689, 3167-3168 (BRENNAN, concurring judgment), justify 39 test Term ago upholding delivering support candidate. today casts § vitality. Instead erects taxonomy censorship, concluding applies category another. hand premises." Ante, 271. arises "school-sponsored 40 cannot, purport discern precedents distinction creates. could, I suppose, characterize symbolic "personal [have] occur[red] premises," hint nature (much less dispositive) relevance. But description stretch imagination fit Fraser's "happen" ad hoc gathering playground. As evinces, ever "school-sponsored," was: "Fraser nominating fellow elective office. Approximately 600 attended assembly. report study hall. program self-government." 677, 3161 (emphasis added). 41 Yet, sentence analysis, 680, 3162-3163, faithfully Tinker. 42 Nor intimated context. Particularly telling Court's heavy reliance infringement college campuses. Papish University Curators, 410 667, 671, 1197, 1199, 618 (1973) (per curiam); Healy James, 408 169, 180, 189, 18, 191, 2338, 2345, 2350, 2351, 266 (1972). involved expulsion sold pursuant university authorization, Papish, 667-668, 1197-1198, denial recognition concomitant benefits organization, Healy, 181-182, 2342, 2343, 2346-2347. Tracking 's act unconstitutional. suggest distinction, finds dispositive, incidental clean slate, rationale abandoning obscure tangle excuses afford "greater control" permit: prerogative curriculum; shielding objectionable topics; dissociate None excuses, once disentangled, supports draws. concern; illegitimate; third achievable through oppressive means. 44 certainly correct teach. That essence test, excuse abandon it. Under disrup[t]" function. Manifestly, disrupt function activity—one "is teach" something—than noncurricular Thus, budding orator holds tongue cafeteria. Consolidated Edison Co. Service Comm'n York, 447 530, 544-545, 100 2326, 2337, 65 (1980) (STEVENS, judgment). stringent (After all, wore "classroom" "cafeteria." 512, 740.) 45 "ungrammatical, prejudiced," falls short "high school's] auspices. 271 272. reach conclusion; apply enumerated criteria teach." may, "censor" poor grammar, writing, research reward 46 Censorship motivated well (although, infra, ---- - ----, legitimately serve) way furthers believes ought never bad news, views, print thought upset sponsors. Unsurprisingly, 47 relies bits testimony portray lesson "had ., 'the journalists. .' 276. regard, attempts basis (1) [pregnant] protected," despite aliases; (2) parents. 274. Similarly, author "opportunity himself" (in words) "chose 'playing guys' family. 275. 48 consulted work. "[T]hey deletions released. Further, explained broadest generalities. meeting called behest seven (presumably fraction class), 'too sensitive' 'our readers,' 1450, 1459 (ED Mo.1985), newspaper," ibid. supposition (or protesters understood) generalities nuances utterly incredible. did, found, psychic staffer. deviating precedent substance "unsuitable audiences." (footnote Specifically, majority decrees "potentially topics" (like activity") advocacy "irresponsible se[x] order' ") activities. 272 teaches us undeniable, undeniably vital, mandate warrant "thought police" stifling discussion state-approved topics position. (1923). Otherwise transform "closed-circuit recipients State chooses communicate," cast perverse impermissible "pall orthodoxy classroom," Keyishian Regents, 385 589, 603, 629 (1967). prohibit recounting locker room [their] teen-age activity," advocating se[x]" presumed abominations order." assume Orwellian "guardianship mind," Thomas Collins, 323 516, 545, 315, 329, 430 (1945) (Jackson, concurring). 51 sponsorship suggests, license school, disfavored assessment topic sensitivity.2 constitute unabashed viewpoint discrimination, 878-879, 2813-2814 (BLACKMUN, 'right receive ideas,' 867, 2808 (citations omitted); National Bank Bellotti, 765, 783, 1407, 1419, 55 707 (1978).3 purge state-funded 'offen[d] social, tastes,' 858-859, 2804 omitted), motivation, discriminatorily State's dissolve limit subject matter) entitles dictate pages, close down nondisruptive antiwar sentiment gates. 52 Official reasons, equally impermissible. begrudge substantive scope certain, objectively definable topic, literary criticism, sports, overview Unlike determinate limitations, "potential sensitivity" vaporous nonstandard—like 'public welfare, peace, safety, health, decency, good order, morals convenience,' Shuttlesworth Birmingham, 394 147, 150, 935, 938, 162 'general welfare citizens,' Staub Baxley, 355 313, 322, 78 277, 282, 302 (1958)—that invites manipulation achieve ends permissibly achieved blatant discrimination chills object. dangers, consistently condemned scheme allowing boundless discretion licensing forum. 150-151, 2, 938-939, 2; Cox Louisiana, 379 536, 557-558, 85 453, 465-466, 471 (1965); 322-324, 282-283. 53 aptly illustrates how (and courts) camouflage "mere" protection topics. Among grounds advances uphold potential sensitivity "teenage activity." Yet specifically "did principle, oppose topi[c] much approval "squeal law" page, dealing forthrightly sexuality," contraceptives teenagers," pregnancy," 4-5. objectionable. expressed: (as apparently does) sex." ante, C 54 sole conceivably draws nonsponsored risk "that [might be] Of attribution inheres expression, expression" "happens Nevertheless, indicia increase likelihood attribution, dissociating themselves '[e]ven governmental substantial, pursued means broadly stifle fundamental liberties achieved.' 602, 683 Shelton Tucker, 364 479, 488, 81 247, 252, 231 (1960)). Dissociative available disclaimer, "Statement Policy" announcing editorials appearing opinions staff, necessarily administrators East," 26; clarifying explaining why wrong. acknowledging alternatives, approves brutal censorship. 56 Since served purpose, prevent "materia[l] disrup[tion of] classwork," fall "inva[ding] others," term content, protected law. "Any yardstick exacting [that] result curtailing slightest fear disturbance," 1376, prospect completely pronouncement "undifferentiated apprehension [even context] overcome right expression." And, correctly reasoned, impropriety contained, tortious, criminal. 1375-1376. 57 material, emphatically object Where separation illegitimate calls tools" Speiser Randall, 357 525, 1332, 1342, 1460 (1958); shredder. entire articles. inquire obvious precise additions (one already made), rearranging layout, delaying Such unthinking contempt intolerable official. particularly insidious entrusts inculcating cherished Constitution guarantees. IV 58 opens analysis purporting reaffirm time-tested proposition "do 'shed gate.' 736). ironic introduction denudes prescribed. "teach[ing] children diversity American system," 880, 2814 living reality, parchment preserved glass," Shanley Northeast Bexar Cty., Tex., 462 960, 972 (CA5 1972), "teach[es] discount important principles platitudes." lesson, today. dissent. contained marriage, runaways, juvenile delinquents, pregnancy. objection cited "[o]nly 26. accurately nowhere expressly news feature dissent annually Spectrum; unable occasion. event, says says, designate remains overwhelming. draw curiam), off-campus "underground" campus. perceives difference Fraser. disagree. rested "vulgar," "lewd," "plainly offensive" character propensity disrup[t] involv[e] others." "especially relevant" Black's 'disclaim[ing] compels elected surrender system students.' 3166 526, 746). observations relevant instant decide construed precluding "invasion suggestion prepublication specific regulations. To regulations constrain educate. seek distribute grounds. Baughman Freienmuth, 1345 (CA4 1973); 960 1972); Eisner Stamford 803 (CA2 1971). lower courts similarly regard newspapers, dramatic deference. Nicholson Torrance Unified 682 858 (CA9 1982); Seyfried Walton, 668 (CA3 1981); Trachtman Anker, 563 512 1977), cert. denied, 925, 1491, 519 (1978); 1043 1979). degree deference level. reasonableness further substantiated Martin Duggan, editor Globe Democrat instructor adviser. Duggan balance respond, intrusive girls, boyfriends. "an independent witness" weight. 1461 Mo.1985). approach urged practical far deleterious consequences adopt acknowledges entirely." Post, 278. newspapers threaten classwork" "rights law," 289, regardless sexually explicit, racially intemperate, personally insulting be. passage "exten[d] newspaper" mention 2. hard imagine anyone else) expect categorically publication," composed exclusively "news articles," categories expressly. Understandably, below passage. quotes language '[t]he board.' 267 3164). preceding quotation makes clear, referring appropriateness conveyed, message's content. 3164 ("[T]he system' disfavor terms debate highly offensive threatening others"). fact, coupled "society's boundaries socially behavior," acknowledgment undoubted classrooms," 681, 3163 689, 3167 judgment) ("Nor involve attempt ban consider 'inappropriate' students" omitted)). concede '[c]ontrol access' permissible distinctions drawn neutral.' Brief 806, 3451, (1985)).

Classification Label: 2