The Supreme Court on Monday released a lengthy order list from its September 28 private conference, denying review in hundreds of cases. Among the notable petitions rejected were a dispute over a Michigan school’s ban on “Let’s Go Brandon” sweatshirts, a challenge to federal laws disarming convicted felons, and two cases involving COVID-19 vaccine mandates. By declining to hear these cases, the Court left the lower court decisions standing without addressing the underlying constitutional questions.
The “Let’s Go Brandon” case drew attention because it asked whether schools may bar students from wearing clothing with the phrase, a euphemistic insult aimed at former President Joe Biden. The 6th Circuit had upheld the school’s ban, reasoning that the phrase’s vulgar meaning outweighed its political message. The students argued that the decision threatened First Amendment rights, but the Supreme Court declined to intervene.
In addition to the denials, the Court asked the Trump administration for its views in three cases about whether federal banking laws preempt state mortgage-escrow interest requirements. It also sent a case involving Temporary Protected Status back to a lower court for reconsideration in light of a ruling from last term. The order list shows the Court’s typical practice of letting many disputes resolve without granting full review, while selectively seeking input or further proceedings in a few others.