Discusses history and purpose of state open-records laws. Surveys how parties make open-records requests, various causes of action, and sanctions for noncompliance. Examines how open-records requests related to district investigations can implicate the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act. Attempts to find appropriate balance between public's…

A recent decision by the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in a case from Arkansas centered on a vicious letter written by an 8th-grade boy about his former girlfriend and turned over to school officials. The court ruled for the school district in expelling the student for the year, without allowing him to attend an alternative school. Argues that…

Delineates the federal judiciary system's creation and evolution. Describes original judicial legislation, illustrating the judicial pyramid: district courts at the base, followed by federal circuit courts, with the Supreme Court at the apex. Identifies first Supreme Court justices. Observes that John Marshall's 34 years as Chief Justice firmly…

In "Mergens," the Supreme Court ruled that the Equal Access Act (EAA) was constitutional and that students at a high school with a "limited open forum" could participate in a prayer club. Traces the history of the case, arguments by the justices, and practical implications of the case for school districts. (66 references) (MLF)

Controversy developed among the federal circuits concerning whether or not Congress, when it passed the Education for All Handicapped Children Act, intended to abrogate the states' 11th Amendment immunity from a lawsuit in the federal courts. Discusses decisions favoring and against abrogation, and the Supreme Court's reasoning in ruling against…

Examines the distinctions between protected free speech and discriminatory verbal harassment on college campuses. Cites numerous campus policies and recent Supreme Court decisions. Discusses a proposed guideline based on the direct use of "fighting words" to insult or stigmatize an individual. (FMW)

In a unanimous ruling, the Supreme Court is requiring the University of Pennsylvania to give faculty peer-review documents to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission for its investigation into a sex discrimination case. Academics fear infringement of academic freedom and privacy. (MSE)

The texts of the Supreme Court's syllabus and unanimous opinion in the University of Pennsylvania vs. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission is presented. The case involves release of peer-review records in a faculty sex discrimination suit. (MSE)

Reviews 100 lower court decisions since the 1982 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that mandated access to education for handicapped students. Concludes that the courts have remained willing to support parents in obtaining services for their handicapped children. (FMW)

In 1985 the United States Supreme Court concluded that the Fourth Amendment's prohibition against unreasonable searches and seizures does apply to public school officials. Offers some hypothetical examples for public school officials to consider regarding mandatory urine testing and the reasonable suspicion standard. (MLF)

Presents an overview of the original "Brown" decision and the complex body of case law that has evolved from it. Reviews the "compensatory education" alternative, which focuses upon improving education for minority students by means other than strict numerical integration, as well as the special problems found in districts with…

The Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals determined in "Good News/Good Sports Club v. School District of Ladue" that a public school district could not prohibit a parent-led Christian club from using school premises for its meetings. Discusses the majority and dissenting opinions and the implications of this decision for public schools. (72…

The Supreme Court has ruled public colleges may not deny funds to student groups because they engage in religious activities. The case, involving the University of Virginia, sets looser standards for separation of church and state in higher education. Some see it as providing new protections against censorship and withdrawal of funds. Text of the…

The Supreme Court's dissenting opinion in a University of Virginia case concerning denial of funds to a religious student newspaper is presented. Justice Souter argues that the ruling supporting funding is in violation of doctrine concerning separation of church and state. (MSE)

This review of the Supreme Court's term of cases that are relevant to school districts is divided into five sections by subject matter: (1) desegregation; (2) voting rights and political activity; (3) employment and labor; (4) student rights; and (5) special education. A list of cases and statutes discussed, with citations is included at the end…