To the editor:

Oskaloosa High School Principal Brad Reed thinks his prior restraint and censorship of an article in the student newspaper “is not a big deal.”

Well, Principal Reed, I can guarantee that a lot of people DO think it’s a big deal, including the American Civil Liberties Union and the Student Press Law Center. And I think your superintendent and the school board will think it’s a big deal, as you’ve put them in the position of defending a possible lawsuit.

Most importantly, the Kansas Legislature thinks it’s a big deal. Kansas law protects student press rights. In fact, the law states, “The liberty of the press in student publications shall be protected.” The law goes on to state, “Material shall not be suppressed solely because it involves political or controversial subject matter.”

Violation of state law? Suspending the First Amendment? A possible lawsuit?

I guess it’s “not a big deal.”

David Day,

Lawrence