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A federal appeals court ruled Thursday that an Ohio school district violated students’ free speech rights by enforcing policies that banned language that was returned to classrooms.

The US Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the Olentangy area school district, near Columbus, cannot punish students for using certain language, even if others find it offensive.

Parents Protecting Education, a national civil rights group, sued the district in 2023, challenging their student amendment rights. Regional authorities have maintained policies designed to prevent exploitation and promote inclusion.

In its majority opinion, the court said the district “fell too far” from showing that allowing the speech would cause disruption or violate the rights of others.

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“Our society continues to debate whether natural pronouns are appropriate or offensive — just as it continues to debate many other issues surrounding copyright,” Circuit Judge Eric Murphy wrote in the majority. “The school district does not conduct this debate by forcing one side to change its message or by forcing it to express a different point of view.”

In her argument, circuit judge Jane Stranch avoided using any gender-bound pronouns, writing that conforms to the new language “may be new to some” but always “happens.” He noted that social customs surrounding pronouns “have emerged throughout American history.”

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The 6th Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled that the Olentangy area school district may not allow students to use strong language that some find offensive. (Stock)

The decision overturns a 2024 decision from a six-member panel that met with the district. The case now returns to U.S. District Judge Algenen Marbley in Columbus, who must issue information that blocks the policy.

District rules discourage students from using sex-related language that could be seen as disrespectful or demeaning, and urge them to use their classmates’ complaints instead.

District policies prohibit the use of sex-related language that other students may consider offensive, derogatory, unwanted or offensive. (Stefani Reynolds/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

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A separate policy that governs the use of students’ devices has passed those restrictions that add to the reasons of the school, prohibiting content that can be interpreted as harassment or sexual orientation.

It remains unclear how the decision works more broadly. The Ohio teachers union told the court that Olentangy’s policies are similar to those of other districts across the country.

The accompanying device contributed to this report.