FunkyFerret
Well-known member
Federal Appellate Panel Backs School's Ban on 'Let's Go Brandon' T-Shirts
A split decision by a federal appeals court has approved a ban on students wearing "Let's Go Brandon" t-shirts to school in Michigan, rejecting a First Amendment appeal. The ruling was unanimous except for one judge who argued that the majority erred in its application of Supreme Court precedent.
The phrase originated from an incident at a NASCAR event where drivers chanted "Fuck Joe Biden," but after a reporter intervened, it became known as "Let's Go Brandon." In this case, two brothers wore such t-shirts to school, leading officials to order them off for violating the dress code. The student's mother claimed that she had approved of her sons wearing the shirts.
Judge John Nalbandian wrote in his majority opinion that while First Amendment rights must be protected, the protection does not extend to vulgarity at school, even if it is politically motivated. He concluded that "in the schoolhouse, vulgarity trumps politics."
However, Judge John Bush disagreed with this stance, arguing that the Supreme Court's precedent had been misapplied and ignored the students' right to express themselves through their attire. In his dissent, Bush emphasized the importance of allowing students to engage in civic discourse without restriction.
The decision by the appeals court comes as a significant concern for those who advocate for free speech rights in schools. The ruling may attract attention from the Supreme Court, which could potentially resolve any future appeals related to this case.
A split decision by a federal appeals court has approved a ban on students wearing "Let's Go Brandon" t-shirts to school in Michigan, rejecting a First Amendment appeal. The ruling was unanimous except for one judge who argued that the majority erred in its application of Supreme Court precedent.
The phrase originated from an incident at a NASCAR event where drivers chanted "Fuck Joe Biden," but after a reporter intervened, it became known as "Let's Go Brandon." In this case, two brothers wore such t-shirts to school, leading officials to order them off for violating the dress code. The student's mother claimed that she had approved of her sons wearing the shirts.
Judge John Nalbandian wrote in his majority opinion that while First Amendment rights must be protected, the protection does not extend to vulgarity at school, even if it is politically motivated. He concluded that "in the schoolhouse, vulgarity trumps politics."
However, Judge John Bush disagreed with this stance, arguing that the Supreme Court's precedent had been misapplied and ignored the students' right to express themselves through their attire. In his dissent, Bush emphasized the importance of allowing students to engage in civic discourse without restriction.
The decision by the appeals court comes as a significant concern for those who advocate for free speech rights in schools. The ruling may attract attention from the Supreme Court, which could potentially resolve any future appeals related to this case.
the whole point of free speech is it comes with consequences, and if u wanna rock a t-shirt with a profane phrase on it, maybe expect some pushback. judge nalbandian's got a point in a weird way...
This ruling is really confusing, imo. Like, can't students just express themselves and have some fun at school? 
I mean, I get that there's a fine line between free speech and being a jerk, but shouldn't schools be trying to foster an environment where kids feel comfortable expressing their opinions?
. And if two brothers are allowed to wear them and their mom says she's cool with it... why not the other kids? 
. Like, isn't that kinda backwards? Shouldn't we be encouraging civic discourse and discussion, even if it gets a little heated? 
This ruling feels like it's more about controlling what kids can say rather than teaching them how to engage with each other respectfully 
It's like they're trying to suck the life out of our youth's sense of rebellion and freedom. And now, a judge is saying that vulgarity trumps politics in the classroom 
I get where the school is coming from, but can't we just have a more nuanced conversation about this stuff?
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), but there's gotta be some limit to keep the school vibe chill 
. It's like, do they get to express themselves unapologetically, or do we have to consider other perspectives too? Maybe the appeal thing is about finding that middle ground where students can still speak up without crossing a line? 
and whats with the dress code anyway? cant they be more relaxed about it like in other countries 
my friend wore a "What's up, Joe" t-shirt to school here and everyone was cool with it 
do people really care that much about what kids wear or is this just a big deal because of politics 
! It feels like we're stepping backward when it comes to our right to express ourselves, especially if that expression is political or passionate. I get where they want to maintain a certain level of decorum in the classroom, but shouldn't students have the freedom to wear what makes them happy and expresses their opinions? The fact that the majority opinion says "vulgarity trumps politics" just doesn't sit right with me 
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I'm also curious to see how this plays out at the Supreme Court level – will they side with the appeals court or rule in favor of the students' right to free speech? 
i mean like cant they just chill and express themselves however they want? 
. I don't think the school should have taken it so seriously. I mean, wouldn't it be cool if we could just wear what we want without getting shut down all the time? 
. Can't we just agree to disagree and not make it into some big deal? And I mean, I'm all for civic discourse and stuff, but can't you still do that without wearing a t-shirt that might offend someone 
?