Overview
- The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit affirmed dismissal of a lawsuit by two middle-school brothers who were told to remove “Let’s Go Brandon” sweatshirts in 2022.
- The majority wrote that schools may prohibit speech reasonably understood as vulgar even if it carries a political message, stating that “in the schoolhouse, vulgarity trumps politics.”
- Judge John K. Bush dissented, arguing the phrase is political criticism without actual profanity and should receive First Amendment protection.
- Court records note the district’s code bans offensive or profane language and that other political apparel, including pro-Trump messages, had been allowed without discipline.
- The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, which represents the students, said it plans to appeal, potentially asking the U.S. Supreme Court to review the case.