Analyzes the state of the law regarding peer sexual harassment. In "Davis" the Supreme Court ruled that a school district can be held liable for a student's sexual harassment of another student. Prior to this, lower courts were not uniform in their treatment of this charge. (Contains 47 references.) (MLF)

Questions the effectiveness of the widespread use of zero-tolerance policies enacted by school boards to punish students who violate weapon and drug rules. Suggests that enforcement of zero-tolerance policies has not been equitable. Reviews proposal for alternative to zero tolerance. (PKP)

Asserts that 25 years after Congress passed the Education for All Handicapped Children Act (now called the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act), many educators and administrators still do not understand the law or how to implement it. Discusses three reasons for this situation and suggests benefits of understanding the law. (PKP)

Last May, the full 11th Circuit Court upheld a school board policy in Duval County, Fla., that permits graduating senior to select a student volunteer to deliver an uncensored "message" during graduation ceremonies. Argues the title, historical context, and content of the policy clearly suggest that school officials sought a way to…

In a stunning 5-4 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court has held that teachers and coaches who suffer reprisals for raising complaints regarding illegal sex discrimination against their students can sue their school districts for damages. This ruling is unprecedented with respect to Title IX enforcement and will likely alter how school officials handle…

Like all teens, sexual minority youths (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) face many challenges, including student-on-student sexual orientation harassment. The authors examine recent research into the relative frequency, the potential impact, and school district responsibility to protect sexual minority youths from ongoing…

Notes that politics has always been involved in the appointment of United States Supreme Court judges. Offers an annotated bibliography of ERIC documents and journal articles which will help teachers develop background and provide instruction on this recurrent process. (JDH)

Offers brief summaries of upcoming Supreme Court cases that have implications for education, including two cases involving religion, affirmative action, and school policy regarding employees and students who have Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) or carry AIDS antibodies. (DMM)

Despite the United States Supreme Court's decision to let stand a judgment that the New Jersey law mandating a daily minute of silence in schools violated the first amendment, the Court, when presented with a statute resulting from a nonreligious purpose, may find a moment of silence permissible. (MLF)

The United States Supreme Court's decision in "Hazelwood School District v. Kuhlmeier" affirms that school officials have authority over school-sponsored publications. How supervision of student expression is exercised will teach young people a powerful lesson in freedom of the press--or oppression. (MLF)

Discusses recent Supreme Court decisions involving student newspapers and freedom of speech, and offers some precautions against possible court litigation and ways to preserve student rights. (SRT)

The current Supreme Court, usually opposing civil liberties, is far more conservative than the Warren Court of the 1960s, but is primarily concerned with maintaining the internal stability of the court. While Warren decisions have been narowed, outright reversals are unlikely, although replacement of justices may alter this trend. (KH)

The texts are presented of the Supreme Court opinions in the case of the Selective Service System vs. Minnesota Public Interest Research Group, which upheld a federal law requiring college students to register for the draft before receiving federal student aid. Included are the majority opinion by Chief Justice Warren E. Burger and dissenting…

Reviews Justice Brennan's rationale for imposing restraints on obscenity, the evolution of the "Roth" test to distinguish obscenity from protected speech, and his move away from the test. (FL)

A study of federal court decisions issued between February 1969 and the end of 1982 revealed that while students do have clearly defined constitutional rights, they also have many legal responsibilities. Forty-two areas of student responsibility are discussed, and 135 relevant court cases are cited. (PGD)