In the midst of growing controversy over the limits of student expression on the Internet, a federal trial court in Pennsylvania addressed the extent to which education officials can restrict the ability of student teachers and, by extension, teachers and other school employees, to exercise their rights to free speech on Internet social networking…

Reviews three recent court cases from separate jurisdictions dealing with letters of recommendation. Suggests ways to avoid controversy and possible litigation involving letters of recommendation. Recommends that school boards update their policies on providing letters of reference for school personnel to reflect status of law in their states.…

Updates the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act in light of two Supreme Court decisions in 2002: "Owasso Independent School District v. Falvo" and "Gonzaga University v. Doe." Suggests implications for school board policies on student records. (PKP)

Reviews six Supreme Court decisions on sexual harassment since 1992, three of which were education cases. Suggests content of school board policy to comply with Court's sexual-harassment decisions and thus limit liability under Title IX for offenses involving students and Title VII for acts involving school personnel. (PKP)

Analysis of 2001 United States Supreme Court decision in "Earls v. Board of Education of Tecumseh Public Schools," upholding random drug testing for students participating in extracurricular activities. Discusses implications for school policy and practice. (Contains 15 references.) (PKP)

The Supreme Court's decision in "Reno," striking down major portions of the Communications Decency Act of 1996, pits the need to protect children from inappropriate material against the need to maintain free Internet access by adults. Highlights major points in the holding and discusses the meaning of "Reno" for educators. (MLF)

Reviews a set of Supreme Court rulings that may dramatically alter the landscape of First Amendment jurisprudence: "Church of the Lukumi Babalu Aye v. City of Hialeah"; "Jones v. Clear Creek Independent School District"; "Lambs Chapel v. Center Moriches Union Free School District"; and Zobrest v. Catalina Foothills…

Reviews recent federal appellate court cases dealing with legal issues involving random drug testing of students participating in extracurricular activities. Draws implications for school business officials and other educators. (PKP)