Back to School

In many parts of the country, school has already begun.  Its always obvious to us when the school year commences because of the volume of calls we receive on our radio broadcast concerning school-related issues.  This year was no exception.  On Monday when we went on radio live at 12 oclock, we were inundated with calls concerning student rights on campus.  It is important to remember that students possess significant free speech rights on a public school campus.  Most recently, I argued a portion of the McConnell v. FEC case before the Supreme Court of the United States.  I represented students who wanted to participate in political campaigns.  The Court ruled unanimously in our favor, citing the school speech cases from the 1960s.  With events like See You at the Pole right around the corner, students should be aware of their rights on campus.  At www.aclj.org, we have a section called On the Issues; if you click On the Issues and go to Student Prayer, you will find many resources, including questions and answers to various issues that students might face.

 

I also want to give you an update on the judicial confirmation battle.  Earlier this week, the White House released a series of papers held by the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library concerning Judge John Roberts.  The papers released were written during the time when Judge Roberts served as Associate White House Counsel.   Regarding the issue of a recent Supreme Court case that prohibited silent prayer in Alabama, John Roberts wrote that any suggestion that the Constitution prohibits such a moment of silent reflectionor even silent prayerseems indefensible.

 

The documents underscore the fact that the Supreme Court nominee embraces a conservative philosophy on issues ranging from abortion to school prayer.  The documents revealed that Roberts did not believe voluntary silent prayer in public schools was unconstitutional; that a memorial service for aborted fetuses was an entirely appropriate means of calling attention to the abortion tragedy; and that abortion clinic violence was unacceptable in a letter he drafted for the White House in 1986 saying those who resort to violence . . . are criminals.  The letter undercuts a false assertion made by NARAL in a television ad linking Roberts to abortion clinic violence an ad that NARAL pulled after universal criticism that the claims made were false.

 

The documents show that John Roberts has maintained a consistent conservative judicial philosophy that dates back to early in his career. His service during the Reagan Administration shows a skilled attorney not afraid to tackle the thorny issues of the day, approaching those issues with clarity and conviction always exercising a judicial philosophy that centers on interpreting the Constitution, not re-writing it.  John Roberts has a record of accomplishment and a keen understanding of the proper role of the judiciary.  John Roberts proved to be a forceful advocate for the Reagan Administration, especially on policies such as abortion, school prayer, and criminal justice.  He will make an outstanding Supreme Court Justice, and we look forward to the confirmation hearings.