Bethel School District vs. Fraser

1. Bethel School District vs. Fraser By: CarlyCuthbertson

2. On April 26, 1983, senior Matthew Fraser was trying to get his friend elected for student government president. Being funny he created a speech that was filled the sexual innuendos. The speech was filled with things like “he’s a firm candidate”, and “he’ll erect to the problem.” • Fraser was warned not to deliver the speech. About the Case

3. Fraser’s speech was a huge hit with his class, the classmate he was trying to get nominated, had received a large amount of votes from his class. • When the speech was over students raised to their feet chanting and making absurd gestures. Circumstances of the case

4. The day after the speech was delivered, Fraser was sent to the principles office. • Fraser was pretty much told that he had broken the schools free speech rule. • The school said that Fraser had used profound language, and gestures, when the speech actually never contained profound language. Circumstances of the case

5. Fraser was suspended from school for three days. • He was also taken off of a list that was formed for students that could speak during the graduation ceremony. Circumstances of the case

6. This was a book about the case that was published. The cover is of a kid washing his mouth out with soap. Bethel vs. Fraser

7. Unfortunately the court voted 7-2, and Matthew Fraser was said to have had a reasonable punishment. It was stated that his speech was inappropriate for school grounds. His first amendment wasn’t honored. Decision and Rationale

8. I don’t think that Matthew Fraser was treated fairly. He never swore in his speech, he just used words that could be taken out of context. In science classes they use the word erect, and in art classes they use the word firm and beat, so what is the big deal? My thoughts