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For the reasons that follow, we determine that J.S. engaged in threatening speech unprotected under the First Amendment of the United States Constitution,1 or created a substantial disruption of the school environment. due process during the expulsion process and to consider the proper standard by which to determine whether J.S. We allowed appeal to consider whether the School District denied J.S. Specifically, we review the determination of Appellant Manheim Township School District (“School District”) that one of its students, Appellee J.S., made terroristic threats to another student through social media – outside of the school day and off school property – substantially disrupting the school environment, and leading to his expulsion. ARGUED: OPINION JUSTICE TODD DECIDED: NovemThis discretionary appeal lies at the crossroads of student free speech rights under the First Amendment and the duty of public schools to maintain a safe, effective, and efficient educational environment. 341 CD 2019 affirming the Order of the Lancaster County Court of Common Pleas, Civil Division, dated Februat No. Appeal from the Order of the Commonwealth Court dated at No. MANHEIM TOWNSHIP SCHOOL DISTRICT, Appellant : : : : : : : : : : : : : No. IN THE SUPREME COURT OF PENNSYLVANIA MIDDLE DISTRICT BAER, C.J., SAYLOR, TODD, DONOHUE, DOUGHERTY, WECHT, MUNDY, JJ. Therefore, the Court concluded that the School District improperly expelled J.S., and affirmed the order of the Commonwealth Court. did not engage in unprotected speech, and did not cause a substantial disruption to the school environment. engaged in threatening speech unprotected under the First Amendment of the United States Constitution, or created a substantial disruption of the school environment.

The Supreme Court granted review to consider whether the School District denied J.S. At issue before the Pennsylvania Supreme Court in this case centered on a determination of Appellant Manheim Township School District (“School District”) that one of its students, Appellee J.S., made terroristic threats to another student through social media – outside of the school day and off school property – substantially disrupting the school environment, and leading to his expulsion.

Manheim township school district frontline