On June 25, 2007, the United States Supreme Court rendered its decision in "Morse v. Frederick", a long-awaited ruling regarding student speech in public schools. For nearly twenty years, the Supreme Court had been silent on the issue while lower courts attempted to apply the rules announced in previous Supreme Court decisions. It is…

Gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered (GLBT) public school educators' rights have not been clearly delineated by the courts. As such, the outcomes in legal controversies involving adverse employment consequences based on teachers' sexual orientation have varied somewhat across jurisdictions and have been decided on a case-by-case basis. To…

Maintains that unless judicial guidance is clear about the application of the First Amendment regarding the origin of life, religious freedoms and the vitality of public education may be jeopardized. (JOW)

Reviews and analyzes recent court decisions and Federal laws and regulations regarding seniority systems as they affect groups that have been discriminated against in hiring. Finds that although individual victims of discrimination have won seniority adjustments, class remedies are more problematic. (GC)

Discusses the comparable worth theory, which holds that women should receive compensation equal to men's for work requiring similar skills, responsibility, and effort. Reviews the Supreme Court decision in County of Washington v. Gunther, which concerns Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and sex discrimination where jobs are unequal. (Author/RW)

Saying the Pledge of Allegiance in public schools has generated controversy for more than sixty years. On Flag Day, June 14, 2004, the U.S. Supreme Court sidestepped an opportunity to clarify the constitutionality of public school students reciting "under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance. But this issue is not going away. Following the Supreme…

Discusses the minimum competency testing movement and the unresolved issues concerning it. Indicates that until the issues are settled, there will continue to be controversy and legal activity. (JOW)

Reviews recent court cases regarding differential treatment of men and women in pension programs. Predicts that TIAA-CREF (Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association and College Retirement Equities Fund) will soon convert to unisex tables in calculating retirement benefits on future contributions to the fund. (GC)

Examines the law and court litigation to determine what constitutes sexual harassment in employment; explores employer responsibilities in discouraging or dealing with sexual harassment; and discusses legal remedies available to victims of sexual harassment in the work environment. (MJL)

Two recent Supreme Court cases, Pennhurst v. Halderman and Board of Education v. Rowley, are analyzed for their implications regarding handicapped persons. Both decisions suggest a reduced federal role in determining what constitutes appropriate programs and services for the handicapped. (Author/CL)

Analyzes recent litigation as to the vitality of constitutional protections as compared to Title VII guarantees in combatting discriminatory employment practices. Provides guidance for individuals seeking legal remedies for alleged discrimination and for employers who are attempting to comply with antidiscrimination mandates. (Author/GC)

Although few would question the public school's legitimate role in transmitting societal values, controversy surrounds what those values should be and who should make such decisions. School boards should have policies in place to handle curriculum challenges and to establish review committees with broad representation for the selection of…

Provides overview of legal issues and problems salient to school counselors who provide direct services to students or indirect services through consultation. Among legal issues addressed are privacy, confidentiality, and privilege. Also covered are legal duties pertaining to handling student records, conducting research, reporting child abuse,…

Reviews recent legal decisions on educational and related services that must be provided to handicapped students under the Education for All Handicapped Children Act. (WD)

Explores educational litigation dealing with grouping practices, the suitability of instructional programs, and accountability for pupil progress. (DD)