On April 26, 1983,
Matthew Fraser
delivered a sexually-explicit speech to his fellow students at Bethel High School, prompting disciplinary action from the administration.
After appealing the decision through the grievance procedures of his school, he was still found to be in violation of a school policy prohibiting obscene language. He was suspended for two days.
Fraser, claiming a violation of his First Amendment right to free speech, took his case to court.
Bethel School District No. 403 et al. v. Fraser et al. (478 U.S. 675) was fought all the way to the United States Supreme Court, and the Court determined that the School District's policy did not violate the First Amendment.
Chief Justice Burger delivered the Court's opinion. Justices Brennan and Blackmun delivered concurring opinions, while Marshall and Stevens dissented.
Bethel School District No. 403 v. Fraser (478 U.S. 675) is considered a significant decision in the arena of free-speech debate.
