Judge Overturns Rapper Boy's Expulsion

AP ^ | Wed Aug 24, 2:55 PM ET

[loboinok]

PITTSBURGH - A judge on Wednesday ordered a school district to readmit a 14-year-old student expelled for writing violent, profane rap lyrics, finding that his songs didn't amount to "true threats" against the school and so were protected by the First Amendment. ADVERTISEMENT

The Riverside Beaver County School District kicked out Anthony Latour because officials believed his lyrics constituted threats to shoot up the school and another student.

The American Civil Liberties Union, representing Latour, claimed his songs were "battle rap" — a music genre in which two people try to out-rhyme each other, often using violent putdowns.

U.S. District Judge Donetta Ambrose overturned his expulsion and issued a preliminary injunction ordering the district to admit Latour to the ninth grade when classes resume Aug. 31.

In one song, Latour wrote: "So watch what you say about me, I'm everywhere son / And the word of mouth is that I'm carrying guns / Now that I'm comin' for you — what the (expletive) you gonna do / I come double with the pump tons of slugs that will punish you."

School officials learned of LaTour's writings in March and contacted police, who charged him with terroristic threats and harassment. Latour was expelled in May. The charges are pending.

[loboinok]

stoptheaclu

[Jay777]

Good try at a first post Lobo. Anyone know how to fix this?

[thackney]

already notified the mods

[loboinok]

This is my first post...can ya fix this?

[Jay777]

PING!

[Mr Ramsbotham]

All other issues aside, school kids don't have free speech rights in class, nor should they.

[loboinok]

"All other issues aside, school kids don't have free speech rights in class, nor should they."

I agree...unfortunately, the ACLU doesn't!

[sgtbono2002]

So when this kid kills someone at school will the Judge go to jail for his contribution?

[EAGLE7]

He's lucky he did not mention Jesus in his colorful rap songs. he would have never been re-admitted.

[loboinok]

"So when this kid kills someone at school will the Judge go to jail for his contribution?"

Who are Judges accountable to?

[TheForceOfOne]

The schools have the right to set school policy that recreates a safe and suitable environment for the lives of our children in their care.

Using school grounds to promote a dangerous environment for other students by creating and displaying anarchist writings, use of physical action against others or inciting others into physical action, brandishing of a weapon with or without intent to use it violates the necessary safety precautions a school needs to secure the premises and to provide the safety zone to students to learn.

I think students should wear uniforms and leave the egos and attitudes at home. If they don't like it expel them.

I do think the zero tolerance policy is too much though because it goes to the extreme and weakens its effectiveness. Bottom line is the students do not control the schools, it is there for there benefit and we should do the best we can to make it so.

[loboinok]

"I do think the zero tolerance policy is too much though because it goes to the extreme"

Mostly because administrators have lost the ability to reason and apply common sense.

[hombre_sincero]

Only rappers can threaten people with death and shotguns in schools and be left in class.

The oppressed, huh?

[woodb01]

Violence, profanity, and insanity is protected free speech, but don't DARE mention God or Jesus Christ in school.

The black robed lawyer devils will attack will full, unrelenting force to make you pay for daring to say one word about Judeo-Christianity.

Are judges truly that deranged? But then again, that's rhetorical. Judges are nothing but sick black robed lawyers...

ANTI-DNC Web Portal at ---> http://www.noDNC.com

[freepatriot32]

Libertarian ping.To be added or removed from my ping list freepmail me or post a message here