The United States Supreme Court in Kennedy v. Bremerton Sch. Dist. held that a local school district violated the First Amendment freedom of religious expression rights when it directed an assistant football coach to stop praying on the fifty-yard line of a high school football field after each game. In finding for the high-school football coach,…

American high school graduates' readiness for higher education or employment in the global economy may depend on the state where they live. Since the 10th Amendment to the United States Constitution makes education a state function, the 50 states and the District of Columbia vary significantly in their policies and practices for (a) preschool…

This article lays the foundation of American First Amendment jurisprudence in public schools and examines recent cases relating to student Internet speech. Particular emphasis is placed on the ability of schools to regulate student off-campus Internet speech. School authorities who wish to regulate nonthreatening off-campus speech in the…

To enable Americans to pursue happiness, the Constitution creates these five precious freedoms: economic freedom, personal freedom, political freedom, intellectual freedom, and religious freedom. Let us remember that eternal vigilance is the price of freedom. (Author/IRT)

Public school leaders often find themselves caught between groups with passionately held--but widely varying--views regarding the appropriate role for religion in public schools. Tensions are heightened by the growth of well-funded special interest groups inclined to litigate anywhere a test case arises. By reviewing the most recent judicial…

This article suggests guidelines drawn from court rulings, which are reliable indicators of the current status of legal opinion on the subject of procedural due process and the rights it guarantees students. (Editor/RK)

Principals must speak out in an attempt to keep the procedures of due process from impeding the implementation of due process. (IRT)

Character education thrives on an informed understanding of constitutional principles and an inclusive commitment-building process. U.S. Supreme Court opinions that clarify public school students' free speech rights have established values education as a constitutionally acceptable practice. Challenges might lie in possible violations of the First…

Two recent cases in which federal courts held plaintiffs liable for defendants' attorney fees illustrate the courts' impatience with students and parents lodging suits judged frivolous. The conclusion is that, while school authorities must remain sensitive to students' constitutional rights, caution is urged in taking complaints to federal court.…

Section 1983 of the U.S. Constitution provides individuals (including students) with the right to sue persons (including principals) acting "under color of law" for damages incurred in violation of their federal rights. This article examines two corporal punishment cases involving elementary school students involving possible due process…

Although the United States Supreme Court has extended certain constitutional rights to students, the Court has nevertheless held that school administrators may adopt and enforce reasonable rules and regulations to ensure the maintenance of a disruptive-free learning environment. (PKP)

Reviews United States Supreme Court and Federal Appellate Court decisions on student and teacher rights, particularly due process (procedural and substantive) rights. (PKP)

An edited version of federal district court Judge William O. Bertelsman's opinion in "Bahr vs. Jenkins" reveals his thinking on the courts' self-restraint in cases affecting school administrators' authority when disciplining students. The opinion also discusses, in an informal style, the rights and responsibilities of parties in such…

Reviews several retention-related federal court decisions and suggests 10 best practices that school administrators can use when considering or implementing student-retention policies. (Authors/PKP)