Bethel v. Fraser Case Study

Questions and Answers

Describe the case.

Mathew Fraser, a senior at Bethel High School in Bethel, Washington, spoke to a school assembly to nominate a classmate for an office in student government. His speech was filled with sexual references and innuendos, but it contained no obscenities.

What was his punishment?

Fraser was suspended from the school for three days and removed from the list of students who were eligible to make graduation remarks.

What did his parents do?

His parents appealed the school's disciplinary action. The Washington Supreme Court agreed that his free speech rights had been violated.

How did the U.S. Supreme Court find?

<p>The court upheld the school district's decision, ruling that school officials acted within the Constitution by disciplining Fraser.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Brief summary of the case?

<p>In 1986, a high school student in Pierce County, Wash., gave a speech filled with sexual innuendos at a school assembly and was suspended. The student sued, claiming a violation of free speech rights. The U.S. Supreme Court upheld the school's authority to discipline the student for inappropriate speech.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Case Overview

Mathew Fraser was a senior at Bethel High School, Washington, who gave a speech filled with sexual innuendos during a school assembly to nominate a classmate for student government.
The speech, although containing no obscenities, was deemed inappropriate by school officials.

Disciplinary Action

Fraser faced a three-day suspension from school.
He was also removed from the list of students eligible to make remarks at graduation.

Parental Response

Fraser's parents appealed the disciplinary decision made by the school.
The Washington Supreme Court initially ruled that Fraser's free speech rights had been violated.

U.S. Supreme Court Ruling

The U.S. Supreme Court referred to the precedent set by Tinker v. Des Moines but distinguished Fraser's case as different due to the nature of his speech.
The Court ruled in a 7-2 decision that the school acted constitutionally in disciplining Fraser.
The ruling emphasized the difference between student expression related to public policy and lewd or vulgar speech.
Justice observations indicated that public education must incorporate teaching fundamental values, which include respect for others' sensibilities.

Summary of the Case

In 1986, Fraser delivered a controversial speech at a Pierce County high school assembly, leading to disciplinary measures by the school for its sexual content.
Fraser's subsequent legal battle claimed a violation of his free speech rights, but the case culminated in the U.S. Supreme Court's decision allowing schools to regulate vulgar speech as part of fostering socially appropriate behavior.

Description

This quiz explores the Bethel v. Fraser case, where Mathew Fraser delivered a speech filled with sexual references at a school assembly. The court case examines the balance between free speech rights and school authority in disciplining students. Dive into the details of the case and its implications for student expression.