Discusses recent court litigation concerning legal rights and responsibilities of pupils covering procedural due process, grooming and appearance, regulation of speech and publications, liability for pupil injuries, and racial integration. (JF)

In "Stephenson v. Davenport Community School District," the U.S. Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that schools cannot adopt unduly vague policies to regulate student expression, in this case, a cross-shaped tattoo. (LMI)

This article discusses practical guidance on schools' legal rights and responsibilities with respect to students, programs, and curriculum. Like all other individuals, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) students are guaranteed equal protection under the Fourteenth Amendment to the Constitution and free speech and association under the…

This monograph examines the broad topic of student rights and focuses in turn on a number of related constitutional issues. Chapter 1 outlines some of the social changes affecting American education and briefly touches on many of the sources of school-based conflict. Chapter 2 deals specifically with the issue of school dress codes and efforts by…

This booklet contains the texts of speeches given at the 1968 National Organization on Legal Problems of Education conference on school law. The topics covered in the speeches include student rights, dress codes, defacto segregation, education and religious freedom, doctoral dissertations in school law, master contracts, and teacher strikes. (JF)

A study that included observations and interviews in street and school settings throughout California and in selected cities nationwide documented the changing nature of gang identity within the broader context of street style and adolescent expression. Suggests that targeting student behavior, as opposed to style of clothing, would be more…

Clothing is a primary form of gang-member identification. School boards that seek to revise dress-code policy on gang attire need to make certain they can justify their steps so that students' right to freedom of expression and the need for a safe school environment can coexist. Reviews five court cases and offers guidelines. (MLF)

In "Castorina," the Sixth Circuit reversed a lower court ruling that had dismissed a suit by two high school students challenging their suspension for wearing T-shirts adorned with the Confederate flag. Reviews three Supreme Court decisions about the regulation of student expression. Concludes that a consensus for the regulation of…

In response to growing levels of violence in American schools, many communities are deciding to adopt school-uniform policies as part of an overall program to improve school safety and discipline. This document provides the following guidelines for parents, teachers, and school leaders who may consider adopting a school-uniform policy: (1) Get…

This booklet was developed to assist education agencies and institutions in ensuring compliance with Title 9 of the Education Amendments of 1972. The elimination of sex discrimination in policies and practices relating to the admission and treatment of students and the operation of student programs is one of the requirements of Title 9. The…

After a preface in which Judge Robert Landry cites the importance of the Galt Decision, the paper summarizes the rights of students in elementary and secondary schools. This is presented through case histories. The decisions are grouped into the categories of freedom of expression, search and seizure, dress and grooming, invasion of privacy, and…

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)

From kindergarten to college, transgender and gender-nonconforming students face many challenges in school and classroom settings. The 2003 School Climate Survey, conducted by the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network, shows that more than 25% of transgender students reported experiencing verbal or physical harassment because of their gender…

Concern with school violence and efforts to reduce gang visibility at school have led to controversy about students' constitutional rights to freedom of expression. This document outlines legal precedents and offers guidelines for developing a sound school policy on dress codes. It answers the following questions: (1) Are gang clothing and symbols…

To aid Oregon's school districts in developing policies and procedures for student conduct and discipline, this document suggests guidelines for district preparation and distribution of student conduct codes, including formal and informal student assembly, dress and grooming, use of motor vehicles, search and seizure, attendance, freedom of…