The past few years have seen an increase in partisan political attempts to restrict the public education curriculum and to portray some forms of public education as a social harm. Two targets are particularly evident: teaching about the history, policies, and actions of the state of Israel and teaching about the history and perpetuation of racism…

Schools are experiencing an increased level of litigation about issues pertaining to sexual orientation. This monograph provides educators and attorneys with a comprehensive analysis of this litigation along with practical tips for avoiding lawsuits in this sensitive area. The monograph consists of six chapters and addresses the following topics:…

Examines the relationship between constitutionally protected freedom of expression and the state's interests in inculcating common values in the young through public education. Argues that the state may only transmit values that are express or implied in the Constitution and that the courts have not addressed this issue. (PGD)

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…

Reviews court cases in which parents challenged school practices on religious grounds. Puts particular emphasis on recent attempts to make the curriculum conform to religious views. (Author/JM)

The Principal's Legal Handbook contains information and recommendations for practice in four areas. Section 1, "Students and the Law," yields interesting and informative answers on a number of issues related to students and the law: recent issues in schools relative to students' rights; the use of technology; and the latest case law and…

Reviewing recent court decisions on home schooling, the author points out that it should reflect public school classroom activities. (MD)

Representative, delegated school governance by elected officials intrinsically vests curricular control in those officials. Because their offices are created so that the schools may be governed, they have authority to govern the schools--even especially--in the delicate and critical areas of deciding how and what the schools shall teach.…

Traces institutional responses to the challenges posed by conservative religious groups to public school education in California. The experience of California illustrates the importance for educators of assuring that all citizens understand the First Amendment and its implications for the conduct of public education. (SLD)

Reviews the "Seyfried v. Walton" court decision involving the cancellation of a school play by the superintendent. Compares decision with decisions in other First Amendment cases involving school censorship. Points out that a complex constitutional issue has left a dangerous theory that could be adapted to other issues with this…

The establishment clause of the First Amendment permits public school instruction that serves secular educational goals, but it forbids instruction that instills religious beliefs in children. Although the free exercise clause protects those who oppose such secular courses, their sole remedy is partial or total exemption from the courses. (MLF)

Character educators can recognize religion's contribution to our culture while honoring the First Amendment. Schools can help students understand religion's role in our nation's beginnings, major social-reform movements, and individuals' motivation; construct special curricula; and encourage students to tap inner resources to address social issues…

Reviews federal court cases relating to First Amendment rights and student publications. Includes five sections: (1) background of the problem, (2) freedom of press and right to edit, (3) diminished rights of minors, (4) unprotected speech and legal limitations on it, and (5) public forum doctrine and course curriculum theory. Includes extensive…

Chapter 12 in a book on school law focuses on religious activities within the schools. The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that bible reading and prayer recitations are not permissible. However, objective study of religion as history or literature or the study of comparative religions would be acceptable. The Court has given approval for excusal from…

There is growing agreement from right to left concerning the role of religion in public schools. Under the First Amendment, public schools can neither inculcate nor inhibit religion. Neutrality means fairness. Students' religious liberty rights must be protected by school policies and practices. Also, religion must be treated fairly in the…