Extensive review of the research literature on the impact of school finance litigation on finance reform. Classifies 200 studies reviewed into four groups: general literature, single-state studies, multi-state studies, and direct litigation-effect studies. Concludes that litigation contributed to higher levels of school funding. (Contains 113…

Discusses Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the proposed Employment Non-Discrimination Act in terms of their potential legal remedies for victims of sexual-orientation discrimination. Examines several relevant federal appellate and Supreme Court decisions and the role of homosexual teachers. (PKP)

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…

The individual's right to privacy has evolved into a concept that can affect photojournalists' newsgathering efforts in nearly every state in the nation. In addition to the many states that have recognized the right of privacy through common or statutory laws, the United States Supreme Court has dealt with the issue of an invasion of privacy by…

Attempts to clarify the application of rules against employment discrimination by examining the nature of the seniority system and examining the theory and mechanism of federal court and administrative agency remedies. Reviews recent problems that have tested these remedies, focusing on layoffs and liability-minimizing initiatives open to…

Findings of this study are said to be consistent with the assumption that HEW would be more effective in enforcing desegregation than the courts. Most important finding is said to be the limited amount of explained variance attributable to the Federal courts as enforcement agencies. [Available from Sage Publications, 275 South Beverly Drive,…

A report from Washington on federal appropriation, legislation, and court litigation. (MLF)

A mock trial offers a situation for students to learn about the Federal Trade Commission, about deceptive advertising practices, and about identification of misleading advertisements. (Author/KM)

First Amendment students were unhappy to see Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart retire because his voting record demonstrated a favorable attitude toward freedom of speech and press. His replacement, Sandra Day O'Connor, was predicted to be a conservative or moderate who probably would vote consistently with Stewart in other areas, but her…

An analysis is made of the voting record of Justice Sandra Day O'Connor on cases related to education and the impact of these votes. The decisions of the Supreme Court during the 1981-82 term were classified under one of seven different headings: (1) religion and the schools; (2) freedom of expression; (3) due process of law; (4) racial…