The Supreme Court ruled in favor of the school district, holding that the school could punish Fraser for his speech even though it did not contain vulgarity or obscenity. The Court distinguished this case from *Tinker v. Des Moines*, which protected student speech unless it substantially disrupted the learning environment. The *Fraser* court argued that the school could prohibit speech that is sexually suggestive even if it doesn't cause a disturbance, because it has an interest in teaching students appropriate behavior and maintaining an environment conducive to learning. The Court emphasized that schools have the authority to determine what constitutes vulgar and offensive speech, even if the speech doesn't rise to the level of obscenity protected by the First Amendment.
In essence, *Bethel v. Fraser* established that schools can restrict speech that is lewd, vulgar, or indecent, even if it doesn't cause a substantial disruption. This decision clarified the limitations on student free speech rights in schools and provided schools with more authority to regulate student expression. The case is often contrasted with *Tinker v. Des Moines* which focused on political speech.