The U.S. Supreme Court has declined to take up the case of a Massachusetts middle school student who was disciplined for wearing a shirt that read, “There are only two genders,” effectively allowing the school’s actions to stand.
Liam Morrison, a seventh-grade student at the time, wore the shirt to John T. Nichols Middle School in 2023. School officials asked him to remove it, citing concerns that the message could disrupt the school environment and negatively affect other students. Morrison refused and was sent home. He later returned wearing the same shirt with the words “only two” covered by tape reading “censored,” which was also deemed unacceptable.
Morrison’s family sued the school district, arguing that his First Amendment rights had been violated. However, lower courts upheld the school’s decision, citing longstanding legal precedent that allows schools to limit student expression that may cause substantial disruption or impact the rights of others.
While the Supreme Court declined to intervene, two justices dissented, warning that the decision leaves unresolved questions about viewpoint discrimination and students’ free speech protections. With this move, the ruling by the lower court remains in effect, reinforcing a school’s authority to manage dress codes and maintain an inclusive learning environment.