An Ohio father is taking a stand against a school district that allegedly violated his son’s constitutional rights for wearing a “Let’s Go Brandon” T-shirt, igniting a fierce battle over free speech in public schools. The case highlights another disturbing example of educational institutions silencing conservative political expression while claiming to enforce vague dress code policies. This legal showdown could set a precedent for students’ political speech rights nationwide.
School District Targets Conservative Expression
The confrontation began in November when a teacher forced the student to cover his “Let’s Go Brandon” shirt and later issued a disciplinary “pink slip” for the supposed violation. School officials claimed the phrase, widely understood as a coded critique of President Biden, was inappropriate and equivalent to vulgar speech despite its non-explicit nature.
A Richland County school district infringed on a student’s right to free speech by punishing him for repeatedly wearing a T-shirt to school that reads “Let’s Go Brandon,” alleges a new federal civil rights lawsuit. Read more here: https://t.co/TBV0z7ZZfb
— fox8news (@fox8news) April 3, 2025
When the student continued to wear the shirt, he faced escalating punishment, including detention, demonstrating the school’s determination to silence his political expression. The lawsuit specifically challenges the constitutionality of the school’s dress code, which the father argues grants administrators too much discretionary power to target conservative viewpoints selectively.
Constitutional Rights Under Attack
According to court documents, the school’s actions violated the student’s First Amendment right to free speech and the Fourteenth Amendment right to due process. The father’s legal team argues that “Let’s Go Brandon” represents protected political speech that cannot be censored simply because school administrators disagree with its message.
A Richland County school district infringed on a student’s right to free speech by punishing him for repeatedly wearing a T-shirt to school that reads “Let’s Go Brandon,” alleges a new federal civil rights lawsuit.
Magats are so soft and emotionally fragile. #maga
— smmdmm (@smmdmm) April 3, 2025
One teacher confronted the student with pointed questions designed to shame him, asking, “Do you like offending people?” During the incident, such interrogation revealed the personal bias behind the enforcement rather than any legitimate educational concern about maintaining an appropriate learning environment.
Growing Pattern of Free Speech Suppression
This Ohio case joins similar legal battles, including one in Michigan, where students were likewise prohibited from wearing “Let’s Go Brandon” clothing in their school. The pattern suggests a coordinated effort across multiple school districts to silence conservative political expression while typically permitting liberal messaging without similar restrictions.
“Criticism of the president is core political speech protected by the First Amendment.”
In several cases, the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) has stepped in to defend students’ political expression rights. Their involvement underscores the grave constitutional implications when government institutions like public schools attempt to determine which political viewpoints students may express through their clothing.
School administrators have refused to comment on the pending litigation, a standard tactic that prevents public scrutiny of their actions. The father remains determined to vindicate his son’s rights and establish that political speech criticizing the current administration deserves the same constitutional protection as any other form of protected expression.