About this Case
In her valedictorian speech, Erica Corder mentioned Jesus Christ, His death, and resurrection. In retaliation her school told her she would not receive her diploma until she publicly apologized. She sued the district for violation of her rights of free speech, free exercise of religion, and related rights. Unfortunately, both the district court and the court of appeals ruled in favor of the school district.
Summary of NLF's Brief
Our brief argued that by forcing Ms. Corder to apologize as a condition of receiving her diploma, the school district compelled her to speak a message that she did not desire to speak as a condition of receiving an important government benefit (the diploma). Thus, she was forced to submit to an unconstitutional condition.