An overview is presented of litigation in which courts have interpreted educational employees' rights to nondiscriminatory treatment and employers' obligations to ensure equal employment opportunities. Because of the range, volume, and complexity of the litigation in this area, the intent is to identify applicable legal principles rather than to present a comprehensive analysis of all recent cases. The first part covers protections against racial discrimination in hiring, promotion, and job assignment based on Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Issues arising from affirmative action and reverse discrimination are also discussed. The second part discusses sex discrimination suits pertaining to conditions of employment, pregnancy-related policies, discrepancies in compensation, unequal retirement benefits, and sexual harassment. Remaining sections discuss claims of discrimination based on national origin, religious discrimination, handicap discrimination, and age discrimination. At the conclusion, guidelines for avoiding discrimination suits are provided by means of 10 questions which, if they can be answered affirmatively, will improve a school board's chances of avoiding legal liability in its employment policies and practices. (TE)