Fricke v. Lynch

Aaron Fricke (plaintiff) asked to bring a male date to Cumberland High School's senior prom, which required all attendees to disclose an escort's name. The prior year, Principal Richard Lynch (defendant) had denied a similar request from another male student, whose disclosed intent led to threats and even an assault by other students, prompting Lynch to arrange a protective escort for him. Lynch, citing safety concerns, initially denied Fricke's request too; after Fricke's request became public, he received threats and was punched hard enough to need stitches, the attacking student was suspended, and Lynch arranged protective escorts for Fricke going forward without further incident. Fricke sued Lynch for violating his First Amendment rights and sought an injunction to attend the prom with his chosen date.