Emmett v. Kent School District No. 415
United States District Court for the Western District of Washington
92 F. Supp. 2d 1088 (2000)
- Written by Daniel Clark, JD
Facts
Nick Emmett (plaintiff) was a student at Kentlake High School, which was part of Kent School District No. 415 (district) (defendant). Emmett made a satirical website about the school. The website labeled itself as unofficial and contained disclaimers that it was not affiliated with the school. Emmett developed the website at home on his own time. On the website, Emmett posted two mock obituaries of his friends from school. Emmett also posted a poll seeking input about which student should “die” next for the purposes of writing mock obituaries. At no point was there evidence that Emmett intended to intimidate any students, that any students felt intimidated, or that anyone involved with the school interpreted the website to contain threatening material. A local television news station ran a story inaccurately portraying the website as the host of a hit list of students at the school. After the television piece ran, the school principal suspended Emmett on the grounds of intimidation, harassment, and disruption. The suspension included Emmett’s temporary removal from the school’s basketball team during its playoff season. Emmett sued the district, alleging violation of his free-speech rights under the First Amendment to the United States Constitution. Pending a decision on the merits, Emmett filed for a preliminary injunction rescinding his suspension.
Rule of Law
Issue
Holding and Reasoning (Coughenour, C.J.)
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