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)

In "Hazelwood," regarding school-sponsored newspapers, the Supreme Court granted broad discretion to school authorities under the First Amendment. Following a brief overview of changes in First Amendment law governing student expression rights since the 1960s is followed by an analysis of the impact of recent developments on the free…

Explores the background of the "Lee" case, in which the Supreme Court, by a 5-4 decision, declared that graduation prayers violated the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment. Cites implications of the Supreme Court for future Establishment Clause cases. (54 footnotes) (MLF)

Considers the implications for school boards and school officials of recent litigation under Section 1983 of the Federal Civil Rights Act of 1871. Reviews the issues of official status under the law, immunity to suits, good faith defences, and liability for damages. (RW)

Federal courts have been charged with devising relief that corrects unconstitutional school segregation since the Supreme Court's historic decision against state-approved dual school systems in "Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka" in 1954. The split decisions of the Supreme Court in segregation cases during the 1970s have made it…

The United States Supreme Court has refused to articulate a hierarchy among the guarantees of speech, press, assembly, and petition. The Court also has avoided specifying whether expression rights or safeguards against religious establishment are dominant. Addresses litigation indicating that free speech protections prevail when they collide with…

Addresses allegations that public schools are unconstitutionally promoting secular humanism. Presents perspectives defining secular humanism and explores whether secular humanism is considered a religion under the establishment clause. Deals with charges by conservative parent groups. (164 references) (MLF)

More than 500 school districts currently operate under court-ordered desegregation mandates. Provides an overview of desegregation litigation and cites recent developments that may portend the end of judicial oversight for a number of school districts. (48 references) (MLF)

The article reviews school finance litigation since the early 1970s, focusing on federal litigation and state litigation (equal protection claims, state education clauses, and recent litigation). Observations regarding trends and issues as well as the judicial role in school finance reform during the remainder of the 1990s are presented. (SM)

Although the Supreme Court's "Mergens" decision settled the controversy over the constitutionality of the Equal Access Act, the ruling seems to make more ambiguous the definition of a limited open forum for student expression and the legal status of devotional activities. (55 references) (MLF)

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)

Provides a brief overview of the legal context of litigation regarding whether children with disabilities are entitled to be placed in the regular education program with supplemental aids and services. Examines federal circuit rulings since 1990 that highlight the complexities involved. (39 footnotes) (MLF)