Often, the word “gay” is used in high schools as slang for something bad. When high school freshman Rebekah Rice said “that’s so gay” in 2002 she claims, now as an 18 year-old, that the phrase meant: “That’s so stupid, that’s so silly, that’s so dumb.”

She was reprimanded by her school, and received a warning and notation on her file. Her parents sued, and claimed that Rice’s first amendment rights were violated because she used a phrase that “enjoys widespread currency in youth culture.” Supporters claim that the school’s actions are just another overly politically correct action.

On the other side, the school district claims that there is a duty to protect gay students from being harassed. They claim the phrase “that’s so gay” used in a derogatory manner has been shown to make gay individuals feel uncomfortable or hurt, just as derogatory terms directed at someone because of his or her race is hurtful.

So, the question is, will this be considered slander or is it merely an innocent comment that Rice didn’t believe would cause harm and thus would be protected under the first amendment? I think this will be an interesting case and I look forward to finding out what the court rules.

Humor: Stephen Colbert digs through Al Gore’s garbage to see how wasteful he really is. Amusing.