Massachusetts school compels student to remove ‘Two Genders’ shirt
Massachusetts public school administrators forced a middle schooler to remove a shirt acknowledging there are only two human sexes. The incident occurred on March 21, 2023, when Liam Morrison wore a T-shirt that reads, “There Are Only Two Genders” to Nichols Middle School in Middleborough, Massachusetts. Morrison attended the school as a seventh grader at the time of the incident.
According to a legal complaint filed by Morrison’s attorneys from Alliance Defending Freedom, the boy was pulled from class by acting Principal Heather Tucker, who ordered Morrison to remove the shirt. After Morrison declined to do so, Tucker allegedly said he would not be permitted to return to class until he removed the shirt, prompting the seventh grader to leave school for the day.
Morrison’s shirt “caused no disruptions” at the school, according to the complaint. The incident prompted Morisson to wear a different shirt to school that read, “There Are Censored Genders,” which administrators also forced him to remove, the lawsuit says.
Officials reportedly cited the school’s official Dress Code when justifying their decision. That policy bans students from wearing clothes that “state, imply, or depict hate speech or imagery that target groups based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religious affiliation, or any other classification.”
The school’s censorious actions led Morrison, through his father and stepmother, to file a lawsuit against Tucker and the Middleborough School Committee in May 2023, arguing the school’s actions violated his First and 14th Amendment rights. Morrison claims he’s seen students wear clothing that says “all kinds of things” to school, including one shirt that allegedly said, “He, she, they, it’s all okay.”
“A lot of people are afraid to speak up. We shouldn’t be afraid—not to think or speak our opinions,” Morrison wrote in a recent Fox News op-ed. “Saying something different from what others might say shouldn’t be treated as wrong. That’s what makes America great. We are free to have a mind of our own.”
A hearing on Morrison’s case was held in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 1st Circuit on Feb. 8.
Shawn Fleetwood is a staff writer for The Federalist and a graduate of the University of Mary Washington. He previously served as a state content writer for Convention of States Action and his work has been featured in numerous outlets, including RealClearPolitics, RealClearHealth, and Conservative Review. Follow him on Twitter @ShawnFleetwood
How does the Middleborough School District’s handling of the situation in this lawsuit raise questions about fairness and consistency in addressing controversial or sensitive topics
S.com/public/2023-05/Morrison-v-Town-of-Middleborough-2023-05-19-Complaint.pdf?utm_source=foxnews&utm_medium=oped” target=”_blank” rel=”noreferrer noopener”>lawsuit against the Middleborough School District, Middleborough Public Schools, and Principal Heather Tucker. The lawsuit claims that Morrison’s First Amendment rights were violated when he was forced to remove his shirt expressing his views on gender.
This incident raises important questions about freedom of speech and expression in public schools. While it is understandable that schools have policies in place to prevent hate speech and discrimination, it is crucial to also respect students’ right to express their opinions, even if they may differ from those of the majority.
According to the complaint, Morrison’s shirt caused no disruptions at the school. It appears that the school’s decision to force him to remove the shirt was based on its interpretation of the dress code policy. However, it is important to consider whether a policy that restricts students from expressing their views on controversial issues is infringing upon their constitutional rights.
Schools have a responsibility to create a safe and inclusive environment for all students. However, it should not come at the cost of suppressing individuality and freedom of expression. By enforcing such strict limitations on what students can wear and express, schools risk stifling open dialogue and limiting the diversity of perspectives within their communities.
It is also worth noting that, according to the complaint, a subsequent shirt worn by Morrison, which read “There Are Censored Genders,” was also deemed inappropriate by school administrators. This raises concerns about the school’s handling of this situation and whether it has a consistent and fair approach to addressing controversial or sensitive topics.
This case highlights the need for a careful balance between maintaining a respectful and inclusive environment and protecting students’ rights to freedom of speech. It is important for schools to review their policies to ensure that they do not violate students’ constitutional rights and to foster an environment that encourages open discussion and respect for diverse perspectives.
The outcome of this lawsuit will have implications not only for the Middleborough School District but also for other school districts across the country. It will serve as a precedent for how schools handle similar situations and how they navigate the tension between promoting inclusivity and upholding individual rights.
In conclusion, the case of Liam Morrison’s forced removal of his shirt expressing his views on gender raises important questions about freedom of speech and expression in public schools. As educators and administrators, it is our responsibility to strike a balance between promoting inclusivity and protecting students’ constitutional rights. This case serves as a timely reminder for schools to review their policies and ensure that they are not infringing upon students’ freedoms while still maintaining a safe and respectful environment for all.
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