The only states forbidden to charge school fees are Idaho and Florida. School boards' right to assess student fees is rooted in each state's constitution, statutes, and court decisions. Student fees violate our nation's ideal of free public education, which has helped advance democracy. A table shows state-by-state fee policy comparisons. (MLH)

A 2000 Supreme Court ruling barring age-discrimination suits for money damages by state employees against state agencies (under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act) presaged a 2001 ruling striking down the equivalent provision of the Americans with Disabilities Act. "Garrett" further limits Congress's power to regulate state…