-
Island Trees School District Vs. Pico
In the fall of 1975, a New York school board received a complaint from a community group. The group was called the Parents of New York United. The complaint stated that that school policies on library books were too liberal. They were complaining about nine books -
Island Trees School District v. Pico
The Board petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court and they were granted certiorari. -
Island Trees School District Vs. Pico
They moved these 11 books that were claiming were “ anti-American, anti-Christian, anti-Semitic and just filthy.” -
Island Trees School District v. Pico
The Board ordered that certain books be removed from its districts junior high and high school libraries.The Board said the books were “anti-American, anti-Christain, anti-Semitic, or filthy.” -
Island Trees School District v. Pico
Steven Pico brought upon the lawsuit to the federal district court to challenge the School Board’s decision to remove the books. -
Island Trees School District v. Pico
When the case went to the Federal District Court the Board won the case. -
Island Trees School District Vs. Pico
The case made it all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court. -
Island Trees School District v. Pico
The Supreme court recognized the need for the school to uphold the social and moral values of rhe community. The shcool libraries have special free speech and press rights. The Boards’ power has rules secondary to the First Amendment. Therefore, the Board could not restrict the books in the library simply because they did not agree with them.