This case study focuses on issues of freedom of speech and freedom of religion in public schools. It involves a rural, southern high school where a group of students participated in a Day of Silence. The school allowed the students to participate based on the principal's understanding of the students' First Amendment rights. However, the next day,…

The purpose for this article is to explore the juxtaposition of legal expectations, conflicting community cultural values, and the role of the superintendent in these connected but often conflicting issues. The authors explore several issues through the lens of Gay-Straight Alliance clubs, the "Equal Access Act," and the role of the…

Discusses how school administrators can use the legal concepts of original intent and "stare decisis" to interpret the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment when faced with issues involving religion in the schools. (Contains 34 references.)(PKP)

Examines the editorial authority of administrators in private or church sponsored schools as it relates to press freedom. Offers guidelines for publications staff at these institutions to help them gain essentially the same press rights as staff members of public scholastic publications. (HTH)

Reviews court cases concerning student press rights. Argues that many problems that have arisen over publications could have been avoided by administrators and school boards if only they had been willing to work with students within the framework of the First Amendment. (FL)

According to Jay Worona, general counsel for the New York State School Board Association, "Balancing safety and student constitutional rights is not easy. It has to be a careful balance. School officials must be prudent and not overreact. But one part of the equation has to be paramount. And safety should be the primary concern"…

Argues that the Library Bill of Rights aims to codify First Amendment doctrine and the interests of librarians but falls short. Law allows distinctions between government and private action and reaffirms the discretion of decision makers. The Library Bill of Rights, as shown in discussion of several court decisions, is often far more rigid.…

Campus and administrative concerns about pornography on campus are increasing, including controversy over sale of periodicals on campus, screening of sexually explicit movies, student participation in films as actors, and education of students about social issues related to pornography. (MSE)

Analyzes 240 First Amendment cases involving school administrator dismissals, focusing on each administrator's (alleged) behavior or situation leading to the court's decision. These cases disclose a substantial volume of behavior that is inexcusable, outrageous, self-destructive, and embarrassing. Many accounts illustrate the stress, ambiguities,…

Reports on a survey of high school newspaper advisers' attitudes toward student press rights and the adviser's role, indicating that most support a free and independent press, but, unlike college advisers, high school advisers were neutral concerning faculty/administration control where a potentially damaging article was concerned. (HTH)

Censorship has become routine for many student media operations at high schools nationwide, with First Amendment rights of student editors and staff members violated daily. After a brief history of American freedom of the press and censorship, the paper discusses responsibilities of administrators and advisors to student free expression. (SM)