Bethel School District vs. Fraser

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses the Bethel School District vs. Fraser court case, regarding a school speech made at an assembly by Matthew Fraser. The paper explores the school's reaction to Fraser's speech, claiming it to be indecent, lewd, and offensive to the modesty and decency of many of the students and faculty in attendance at the assembly. The paper contends that the case sets an important precedent with regard to the future actions a school or district may take concerning similar matters of public decency and free speech, especially with regard to the actions of members of the student body.

From the Paper:

"In specific, the events concerned the actions of one Matthew N. Fraser, a student at Bethel High school in Washington State. In short, at a required assembly of approximately 600 students, Fraser presented a speech in which he referred to a student government opponent in terms of an "elaborate, graphic, and explicit sexual metaphor" (UMKC, 2004). Not only did the student receive a warning from two teachers that it was "inappropriate and that he probably should not deliver it," and that it was possible that its presentation may have "severe consequences (UMKC)," but it was observed that the reaction of the student audience to its presentation ranged from hooting, lewd gestures which "graphically simulated the sexual activities pointedly alluded to in respondent's speech," to obvious embarrassment and bewilderment" (UMKC)."

More papers on Bethel School District vs. Fraser:

• Case Study # 125605 : "San Antonio School District v. Rodriguez"
• Term Paper # 127597 : "Leadership in the L.A. Unified School District"
• Analytical Essay # 108832 : "Hazelwood School District v. Kuhlmeier"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: