For approximately a week in early April 2003, Ryan Dwyer, then an eighth grade student, maintained a website called "I Hate Maple Place" that included a forum. Dwyer, who hosted the site on his home computer, used the site to criticize his local school and some of the teachers. He also created a section on the site called "Guest Book" where other users could post comments.

Although Dwyer requested that posters refrain from posting threats or profanity, some fellow students posted inappropriate content. When school officials found out about the website they suspended Dwyer.

On December 18, 2003, Dwyer filed a lawsuit with the help of the ACLU against the school district, its administators, and others, claiming the school district had violated his First Amendment and Due Process rights.

On March 31, 2005 the court granted partial summary judgment in favor of Dwyer. The parties settled in November 2005, with the school district issuing an apology and paying $117,500 in damages and attorney's fees.