Student Journalist Group Joins Easton Bracelet Fight

A D.C. area advocacy group has filed a legal brief on behalf of two Easton Area Middle School students who sued the district after they were suspended for wearing "I Heart Boobies" bracelets.

The Student Press Law Center, based in Arlington, VA, says the district's ban on the breast cancer awareness bracelet limits students' ability to discuss important issues.

"If the school district had its way, even the words 'breast cancer' themselves may become taboo in public schools, so that students can never be full participants in discussing the causes that concern them," SPLC executive director Frank LoMonte said in a news release.

In April, a federal judge ruled that the school district had no right to keep its students from wearing the bracelet, by the school board. The district argues the bracelets are disruptive and offensive.

Earlier this week, the American Civil Liberties Union, which represents the girls who were suspended, filed a response to the district's appeal. According to the Express-Times, the ACLU argues the district has no basis for banning the bracelets. The paper also notes that the SPLC is one of 17 non-profits advocating for the students.

According to its mission statement, the SPLC advocates for free speech for student journalism and open campus governments.