Plan B Forum

"I ♥ Boobies" bracelets worn by students in support of breast cancer awareness are not lewd or vulgar, a federal judge ruled Tuesday, ordering school officials in eastern Pennsylvania to lift ban on the jewellery.

In an opinion handed down in Philadelphia, US District Judge Mary A McLaughlin found the ban by middle school administrators on the popular rubber waistband was not supported by case law that allows school officials to restrict students' speech when it is lewd or disruptive.

"The bracelets are intended to be ... viewed as speech designed to raise awareness of breast cancer and to reduce stigma associated with openly discussing breast health," McLaughlin wrote in a 40-page opinion.

She also found the Easton Area School District failed to prove that teachers and administrators encountered a substantial disruption when students wore the bracelets in school.

Brianna Hawk, 13, and Kayla Martinez, 13, who are represented by the American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania, sued the district in November after being threatened with suspension for refusing to remove the bracelets. They argued the district's ban violates their First Amendment right to free speech.

McLaughlin granted the girls' request for a preliminary injunction that blocks disciplinary action against the girls and allows them to partake in school activities for the rest of the year.

School district lawyer John Freund said he will discuss the decision with the school board at its meeting on Wednesday. He said he's disappointed in McLaughlin's decision and feels she substituted her sensibilities for that of the middle school principals.

Kayla's mother, Amy Martinez, said she's pleased with the decision but shocked that the situation wound up in federal court.

When her daughter was first threatened with discipline for wearing an "I ♥ Boobies" bracelet in defiance of the ban on breast cancer awareness day, she expected district officials would be open to discussion.

"I'm happy it came to this. It gives the average person some faith that the Constitution still applies," she said.

Kayla, in a text message, said she plans to wear an "I (heart) Boobies" bracelet to school Wednesday.

http://www.smh.com.au/world/i-9829--boo ... 1ddh2.html

oldr_n_wsr wrote:I signed up for a "Save the Boobies" charity motorcycle ride (think it's in June).

What we need now is a cool slogan to raise awareness of prostate cancer (I believe it kills more people than breast cancer). been looking into things since my own prostate scare

Went for my 3rd PSA test last week and get the result on wednesday. Hopefully it will be low which will give me 1 low (last year), 1 high then 2 lows (this year) and all should be good.

loCAtek wrote:

oldr_n_wsr wrote:I signed up for a "Save the Boobies" charity motorcycle ride (think it's in June).

What we need now is a cool slogan to raise awareness of prostate cancer (I believe it kills more people than breast cancer). been looking into things since my own prostate scare

Went for my 3rd PSA test last week and get the result on wednesday. Hopefully it will be low which will give me 1 low (last year), 1 high then 2 lows (this year) and all should be good.

Save Willy!