In 2005, the Hillsborough County Board of Commissioners in Tampa, Florida, took steps to forbid government support for gay pride events. The issue came under scrutiny when a public library created a gay-themed informational display. When the commissioners learned of the display, they voted overwhelmingly (5 to 1) in favor of a policy prohibiting…

In recent years, LGBT case law and legislation has evolved in ways that significantly impact the everyday experiences of students and employees in the K-12 context. However, uncertainties remain and the fight for full equality continues. Understanding the legal landscape is crucial to being an effective advocate for change. This article examines…

Hardly a week passes without yet another highly visible court case involving the rights and freedoms of secondary school students. The subject matter of these lawsuits is as varied as the activities of the students who have gone to court to vindicate their legal interests. The outcome of such cases also runs the gamut; some student plaintiffs (and…

The Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects the people of the United States from unreasonable searches and seizures. On first reading, these protections seem clearly defined. The amendment was meant to protect Americans from the kinds of random searches and seizures that the colonists experienced under British colonial rule. Under…

Reviews First Amendment case law and briefly presents the 1985 Supreme Court case findings for Bender vs. Williamsport Area School District which dealt with whether a bible study group could use school property during an organized, school-sponsored activity period. Suggests role playing, group work and discussion activities for classroom use. (JDH)

Four court cases which expanded freedom of expression in public schools and suggestions for reducing the gap between law and practice in the schools are provided in order to stimulate teachers to shoulder their responsibilities in upholding the principles of the Bill of Rights. (Author/DE)

Presents a parent's perspective that educational research projects in the public schools are potentially dangerous to children because of the risks of invasion of privacy, overtesting, labeling, and disruption of routine. (AV)

Tactics that right wing conservatives are using to attack education are discussed. These include the Hatch amendment to the Magnet Schools Act that, if it becomes law, will prohibit funds for courses determined by the Local Education Authority to be secular humanism and the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment of 1978. (RM)

Basic areas of academic freedom, questions for clarification of rights and responsibilities, questionnaires for assessing the health of academic freedom in individual schools, and a procedure for combating an attack on academic freedom are provided in this teacher's guide. (DE)

Acknowledges concerns for privacy rights of students who are subjects in educational research projects; identifies legislation and school district policies which protect student rights; and praises the impact of fundamental research on educational practice in areas of intelligence, motivation, and social learning. (AV)

Reviews the U.S. Supreme Court decision in the case of the Hazelwood School District (Missouri) versus Cathy Kuhlmeier, where the Court heard arguments on whether a school-sponsored student publication is protected under the first amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Includes related cases, teaching procedures, and selected resources. (JDH)

Reviews the U.S. Supreme Court decision in the case of the Hazelwood School District (Missouri) versus Cathy Kuhlmeier. Offers quotes from the majority and minority opinions. (JDH)

Interprets the Hazelwood School District (Missouri) censorship case. Contends that, because classrooms are places where ideas and expressions are presented to be studied and challenged, special limitations on the free speech rights of students are misplaced. Advocates a differentiated standard for free speech in schools, a standard that is fully…

Discusses the history of human rights and international law deriving from major philosophical trends. Suggests the use of Supreme Court cases dealing with student rights to illustrate to students the philosophical basis of rights relating to their own experience. Emphasizes that rights involve a relationship between individuals and the government…