
Grace Smith, a former Laramie High School student, has had her lawsuit against her school district reinstated by a federal appeals court. Smith, who was arrested in 2021 after refusing to follow a mask mandate, alleges that the district violated her constitutional rights.
The 10th Circuit Court of Appeals reversed a 2023 decision by the U.S. District Court, which dismissed Smith’s case on the grounds that her harms were “self-inflicted.” The appellate judges disagreed, asserting that the school district’s actions, including suspensions and an arrest, caused direct harm to Smith.
Smith filed her lawsuit in 2023, claiming the district retaliated against her protests, compelled her to “speak” by wearing a mask, and violated her due process rights. She was arrested after refusing to leave school property and ultimately withdrew from the school.
The school district contends that wearing a mask does not constitute protected speech and denies any wrongdoing. The appellate judges clarified that their decision does not determine the merits of these arguments but only establishes Smith’s right to sue.
The revived lawsuit will now proceed in federal district court. Legal experts suggest the case could have implications for how schools and government agencies handle dissent against public health mandates in the future.
Smith’s battle highlights the challenges of balancing public safety measures with individual freedoms. The case continues to draw attention as it moves forward, potentially influencing similar disputes across the nation.