Story perspectives

Supreme Court Rejects Michigan Brothers’ “Let’s Go Brandon” Appeal

By Drooid · Oct 6, 2026, 1:04 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

The U.S. Supreme Court denied the appeal by two Michigan brothers over “Let’s Go Brandon” sweatshirts on Oct. 5, 2026.
The denial left the Sixth Circuit’s Oct. 2025 ruling that upheld the school’s ban in place.
Judge John Nalbandian wrote the majority opinion that “vulgarity trumps politics” in schools.
Judge John Bush dissented, warning the ruling gives administrators boundless discretion over political speech.

History

Historical Context

In 1969 the Supreme Court’s Tinker v. Des Moines ruling held that students retain First Amendment rights at school, establishing the “substantial disruption” test. Bethel v. Fraser (1986) later allowed schools to restrict vulgar speech. The Sixth Circuit’s 2025 affirmation of a Michigan ban on “Let’s Go Brandon” sweatshirts applies that legacy, permitting limits deemed non-disruptive.

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Story summary

The U.S. Supreme Court denied the appeal by two Michigan brothers over “Let’s Go Brandon” sweatshirts on Oct. 5, 2026.
The denial left the Sixth Circuit’s Oct. 2025 ruling that upheld the school’s ban in place.
Judge John Nalbandian wrote the majority opinion that “vulgarity trumps politics” in schools.
Judge John Bush dissented, warning the ruling gives administrators boundless discretion over political speech.

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