<p>Ok heres the deal. A friend of mine and I want to do something, but we are worried about the repercussion it will have, and its possible effect on college admissions. Does anyone know exactly what rights private high schools have over suspension? Can they suspend anyone for any action? Does freedom of speech really not apply in schools? Is it possible to contest a suspension at a private high school on legal terms?</p>
<p>Heres what we want to do. I go to a very religious private high school, and though we have Drama and Newspaper and all those things, every single thing we do is censored and expurgated by the principal. She take an award winning Neil Simon play and removes the word "God" and "sacred" and "hell". She goes over the student newspaper with a fine tooth comb and changes everything, including the content of editorials if she doesn't like what they say. She changed a concert review that said "everyone was cursing along" to "everyone was singing along". I have just grown more and more agitated by the ridiculous censorship she wishes to impose (that is barely the beginning) and my friend and I have decided to publish our own underground newspaper, and distribute it to the students. Nothing pornographic or no bad words, just a little administrative criticism and some political editorials, and perhaps some emotional poetry. Does anyone know the actions that may occur? The consequences? This means alot to us, we really are passionate about it, but we are a little worried about the repercussions. Any help your be appreciated. Thanks.</p>
<p>I don't know your principal, but it would be ludicruous for you to be punished for something like that. The worst that would happen is that they just find out, shut it down, and that's the end of it. Where are you going to print this though? I suggest you find a liberal teacher willing to go along with it. That way, you have some help and are totally free from punishment.</p>
<p>Well, since I'm just learning about freedom of speech in government class, the first thing you should learn is that the school is not a public forum-- the administration has many seemingly arbitrary powers to limit and censor what is put in the school newspaper. There are lots of legal loopholes the school can use such as not wanting the school to be indentified with a certain image. However, I'm pretty sure its legal to establish a personal website with your school news on it (but make sure it does not mention its affiliated with the school) and then just tell everyone that the "real news" is on that site and try to make it popular. That would be the most cautious approach and I'm pretty sure it would be unconstitutional to suspend you for something like that.</p>
<p>I understand the first amendment doesn't apply in schools, but are private schools allowed to suspend at their own discretion, however arbitrary?</p>
<p>Well I'm a senior so I've already applied. Will a college even find out if I'm suspended? Will they see that and automatically rescind their acceptance?</p>
<p>stand outside school and distribute it there. i would reccommend checking and finding loopholes in laws first. (like no doing it within 100 yards etc.) make sure you are clean on every level then distribute it to everyone from that space. then they can take it wherever the want, including the school (unless it gets banned, but either way you wont get in trouble) good luck lol. it also could make for some cool essay material lol.</p>
<p>run it outside the school. I'm sure the school can't do anything about the newspaper if kids bring it in class, unless there is something bad written in there. Otherwise, if it is out of school, there is no way you can get suspended. You can sue them for discrimination or something then.</p>
<p>do it outside of school where ur first amendment rights r perfectly preserved. Then use some non-students to distribute the paper. Of course ACLU is there 4 u !!!</p>
<p>if u do get suspended the colleges will most likely find out eventually. all i can say is more power 2 u cuz if i were u in dat position i'd start publishing right away. if u get suspended u can always write letters 2 the colleges u applied to and explicate the situation
i'm a firm believer of not censoring the true contents in life ;o</p>
<p>yeah, running it outside of school is your best option. Don't get a teacher involved, the teacher could get you in trouble and could be against what you are doing.</p>