JACKSON, Mississippi (AP) — A federal court has upheld the suspension of a Mississippi high school student for posting a song online criticizing two coaches.
The majority of the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans on Thursday rejected Taylor Bell’s argument that he was exercising his right of free speech when he posted the rap song. The song alleged that two coaches were guilty of misconduct toward female students.
The majority ruled that Bell wanted the song to be heard by the school community and it was. The decision says Bell’s song was posted to threaten, harass and intimidate the two coaches.
The Itawamba County school district suspended Bell for seven days in 2011.
A federal judge in Mississippi upheld the suspension, and Bell appealed to the 5th Circuit.
