Supreme Court Rejects Appeal Over Massachusetts Student’s ‘Two Genders’ T-Shirt Ban

The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear a Massachusetts middle school student's appeal challenging his school's prohibition on wearing a T-shirt stating "There are only two genders." The school barred the student, Liam Morrison, from wearing the shirt citing concerns that the message could disrupt the educational environment and negatively impact transgender and gender nonconforming students. Lower courts upheld the school's decision, ruling that restricting such speech falls within the precedent established by the 1969 Tinker v. Des Moines case, which allows schools to regulate student speech that materially disrupts classwork or school operations. Two conservative justices, Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito, dissented, arguing that the case raised important First Amendment issues regarding the extent of free speech rights for students. The case highlights ongoing cultural and legal debates over transgender rights and free speech in public schools, occurring amid broader national tensions and related Supreme Court cases concerning transgender issues. The decision leaves in place the appeals court ruling that the school's restriction was reasonable to prevent disruption and protect students' educational experience.