In "Lynch v. Donnelly" (the Pawtucket, Rhode Island, creche decision), the United States Supreme Court has signaled its willingness to give greater latitude to government involvement in religious activity. (TE)

A federal court awarded attorney fees in a P.L. 94-142 case on the basis of violation of a handicapped student's due process rights, and the U.S. Surpeme Court will review another P.L. 94-142 case that could have an impact on special education budgets. (DCS)

Reviews recent federal court findings in three legal areas: the responsibility of public schools to reimburse tuition costs for special education students placed in appropriate private programs, parents' rights to sue for damages when special education placement is inadequate, and students' freedom to incorporate sexual innuendo into speeches.…

Legal and practical considerations are discussed concerning whether school systems should participate in the nationwide class action suit against asbestos manufactureres or file suit on their own. Other topics discussed include grooming rules in sports, unnecessary litigation, and immunity from civil rights lawsuits for school officials. (TE)

Outlines important implications for consideration in developing employment policies prohibiting sexual harassment. The recent Supreme Court decision on a sexual harassment case shows that employers are not "insulated" from liability if courts find harassment in the workplace. Also discusses two other Supreme Court decisions. (MD)

Outlines the confusion surrounding a Supreme Court decision in the "New Jersey vs. TLO" case, which put at issue the prohibition against unreasonable searches in schools. The Court's decision allows a lower standard of reasonableness to be applied in school searches. The standards are not clear and are open to serious question. (MD)

Discusses cases involving a nontenured high school coach's firing, state-mandated competency testing, and civil rights of public employees. (KS)

Discusses (1) a Michigan court decision concerning reverse discrimination and voluntary affirmative action policies; (2) the Massachusetts Supreme Court's rejection of the work-to-rule strategy; and (3) an Arkansas law that will allow teachers failing a basic skills and literacy test to be fired only when their state certification expires. (MLF)

Examines a U.S. Supreme Court decision upholding the Bethel, Washington, school district in disciplining a student for giving a sexually provocative speech. Cautions against a possible trend toward renewed school emphasis on dress codes and other issues of decorum. (IW)