Through dress codes, schools establish rules governing student appearance. This study examined stated rationales for dress and appearance codes in secondary school handbooks; 182 handbooks were received. Of 150 handbooks containing a rationale, 117 related dress and appearance regulations to students' right to a non-disruptive educational…

Any restrictions on student dress must have a legitimate educational rationale. Standards of attire for school employees are also permissible. A dress-code policy that calls for reasonable restrictions and is enforced with common sense can create a better school environment. Restrictive measures can lead to costly lawsuits. Cites advantages of…

This paper reviews both the literature and the court litigation concerning student rights in elementary and high school. The purpose of the paper is to outline the legal aspects of the relationship of students to their teachers and administrators. Topics covered include the freedoms of speech and press, due process, "in loco parentis,"…

Opinions abound on what students should wear to class. Some see student dress as a safety issue; others see it as a student-rights issue. The issue of dress codes and uniform policies has been tackled in the classroom, the boardroom, and the courtroom. This Policy Report examines the whole fabric of the debate on dress codes and uniform policies…

Presents a short quiz for American Personnel and Guidance members to test their current legal knowledge concerning abortions for minors, drug searches, and student conduct. Correct answers are given and discussed, and legal precedents are cited. Suggests ways for counselors to keep abreast of current laws. (Author/JAC)

Public school uniforms are a recent development. Legal trends suggest that the courts are willing to defer to school authorities regarding dress codes--provided a clear link is established between the dress regulations and furtherance of the educational mission. Lists a range of options for a dress-code policy and how each of the available options…

Do school dress codes written with the specific purpose of limiting individual dress preferences, including dress associated with gangs, infringe on speech freedoms granted by the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution? Although the Supreme Court has extended its protection of political speech to nonverbal acts of communication, it has…

Discusses the legal aspects of nine common student issues: smoking in the public schools, student responsibilities; freedom of speech; hair and dress codes; student marriage and pregnancy; patriotic observances; sex education controversy; and Title IX, ending sex discrimination. (JMF)

School officials see a need for regulations that prohibit disruptive and inappropriate forms of expression and attire; students see these regulations as unwanted restrictions on their freedom. This paper reviews court litigation involving constitutional limitations on school authority, dress and hair codes, state law constraints, and school…

Judges have interpreted the First Amendment as forbidding the establishment of religion by the state and guaranteeing free exercise of individual religious liberty. The two clauses require public school officials to adopt a position of neutrality with regard to religion in the school setting. Educators must walk a fine line, accommodating…

A survey of court litigation traces the development of case law regarding the substantive rights of elementary and high school students in relation to school board rules and regulations. The survey reveals the gradual "judicialization" (conversion of conflicts into court cases) of educational governance and the delimiting of the school…

This annual monograph contains summaries of court decisions found in federal and regional reports during the period from July 1, 2001, to June 30, 2002. These cases provide a general overview of school law issues for practicing administrators, teachers, and school board members. This edition contains updates of cases previously decided, either at…