Addison Barnes, a senior at Liberty High School, came to school wearing a T-shirt that read “Donald J. Trump Border Wall Construction Co.”, a reference to former President Trump’s border wall ambitions.
The school responded adversely, telling him to cover himself or go home. Barnes sued the school, citing his right to free speech, with the assistance of his parents and counsel.
Barnes was sent home for the day as a result of the lawsuit, which was initiated in response to complaints from a teacher and a pupil. The school eventually lifted his suspension, but he faced legal action.
Barnes sought to protect students’ right-of-center viewpoints. His triumph, however, did not result in monetary compensation; instead, the school system settled by paying $25,000 in attorney fees and requiring the principal to publically apologize.
An Oregon student was suspended for refusing to cover this T-shirt.
Given that the school has one-third Hispanic students, the shirt’s topic was sensitive, as Trump’s anti-immigrant policies impacted many families. The school defended its actions, citing potential disruptions.
Barnes sees his victory as a vindication of the First Amendment, highlighting that voicing pro-Trump opinions should not result in punishment, although anti-Trump sentiments frequently go unchecked. His lawyer, Brad Benbrook, complimented his bravery and emphasized that schools should not limit free speech.
