Legal / Courts
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Sponsored by Council for Professional Recognition
Strangers in a strange land: Confronting the crisis at the border
The border crisis has put a spotlight on early childhood trauma, but this troubling issue isn't new.
Aug. 9, 2021 -
Court rules ADA protected school nurses' advocacy for students with disabilities
The two Kentucky school employees clashed with school officials and parents over treatment for two students with diabetes.
By Lisa Burden • Sept. 22, 2020 -
Flint settlement provides at least $9M in support for students affected by lead
Estimates have suggested as many as 12,000 children were impacted by high levels of lead in the Michigan city's water.
By Shawna De La Rosa • Aug. 21, 2020 -
Federal court clears way for new Title IX K-12 rule, takes effect Friday
Schools nationwide must adopt new policies and procedures by Aug. 14, but many are still preparing for the school year amid the coronavirus pandemic.
By Naaz Modan • Aug. 13, 2020 -
Despite Espinoza decision's 'seismic shock' to public schools, context may vary by state
Tuesday’s Supreme Court ruling allows states to enact choice programs that include religious options, but it may not fully clear the path for them due to the specifics of state constitutions.
By Linda Jacobson • June 30, 2020 -
Supreme Court: Public money can be used for religious education
Writing for the majority in Espinoza v. Montana Department of Revenue, Chief Justice John Roberts said no "historic and substantial" tradition supports disqualifying religious schools from government aid.
By Linda Jacobson • June 30, 2020 -
Supreme Court signals willingness to consider bathroom rights in LGBT job discrimination ruling
In a 2018 NPR Ed survey of 79 transgender and gender-nonconforming teachers, 56% reported facing harassment or discrimination at work.
By Roger Riddell • June 15, 2020 -
Chicago Teachers Union sues district, Ed Dept over special ed requirements
Chicago Public Schools and the U.S. Department of Education contend the district's special ed teachers want to cut corners.
By Naaz Modan • May 21, 2020 -
AASA: New Title IX rules make administrators' jobs 'more challenging'
The Education Department on Wednesday released updated Title IX rules that increase K-12 schools' responsibilities for reporting and investigating sexual harassment and assault claims.
By Naaz Modan • May 7, 2020 -
Title IX rules leave door open for schools to 'pass the trash'
While the Ed Department said it intends to curb the practice, legal experts suggest language in new regulations could feed into it.
By Naaz Modan • Updated May 11, 2020 -
Plaintiffs in two right-to-education cases celebrate 6th circuit court ruling
Those involved in a Rhode Island case will be watching whether Michigan defendants settle, ask for a full review of the decision or appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.
By Linda Jacobson • April 27, 2020 -
Settlement reached in Detroit right-to-literacy case
The settlement follows last week's call by the state legislature for a full Sixth Circuit review and is said to resolve "all of plaintiffs’ claims against all defendants, and thus fully resolves this matter."
By Linda Jacobson • Updated May 14, 2020 -
Lawsuit against Connecticut school boards claims transgender student athletes are 'displacing girls'
In other recent cases, like Gavin Grimm v. Gloucester County School Board, lower courts have sided in favor of protecting transgender students' rights under Title IX.
By Naaz Modan • Feb. 13, 2020 -
Supreme Court hears case questioning public funding of religious schools
As justices heard oral arguments Wednesday in Espinoza v. Montana Department of Revenue, educators voiced concerns that the ruling could "undermine" public education funding.
By Naaz Modan • Jan. 22, 2020 -
Supreme Court to hear case educators worry could 'destabilize public schools'
Among top concerns is that a decision in Espinoza v. Montana Department of Revenue could “siphon off" already scarce public funds.
By Naaz Modan • Jan. 21, 2020 -
District judge temporarily blocks Texas takeover of Houston ISD
The preliminary injunction hampers the state's plan to replace the HISD school board with a board of managers and prevents the state from intervening in underperforming schools.
By Naaz Modan • Jan. 9, 2020 -
These court cases could shift the K-12 landscape in 2020
From a dispute over Houston ISD's state takeover to allowing transgender students to access bathrooms of their choice, these cases stand to significantly impact public education.
By Naaz Modan • Dec. 19, 2019 -
Rhode Island student: 'I don't have civics education'
A lead attorney in the Cook v. Raimondo right-to-education case described Thursday's oral arguments as a lively dialogue before a sharp judge.
By Linda Jacobson • Dec. 6, 2019 -
Transgender students are 'winning in the courts,' require accommodation
While several lawsuits are pending, lawyers say an "overwhelming" consensus among the lower courts thus far suggests schools must protect transgender and nonbinary students' rights.
By Naaz Modan • Dec. 6, 2019 -
Rhode Island right-to-education lawsuit to be heard in federal court
An attorney for the plaintiffs says the case could have an "electric effect" on public schools if it ultimately makes it to the U.S. Supreme Court.
By Linda Jacobson • Dec. 4, 2019 -
Supreme Court DACA case: Thousands of educators' livelihoods on the line
With SCOTUS deliberations starting Tuesday on President Donald Trump's rescission of the program, experts say ending DACA could have a "chilling effect" on K-12 students and educators.
By Naaz Modan • Nov. 12, 2019 -
LA Unified joins legal fight against Juul
District leaders say vaping is contributing to student absenteeism and behavior problems as they join others nationwide in suing the e-cigarette company.
By Linda Jacobson • Oct. 30, 2019 -
NEA, National PTA support DACA in Supreme Court case
DACA has positively impacted immigrant students and educators, but its uncertain future leaves many in limbo, supporters contend.
By Naaz Modan • Oct. 7, 2019 -
US attorney: States can't sue feds over lunch program changes
School lunch rules championed by former first lady Michelle Obama have been relaxed, but strict requirements aren't completely eliminated.
By Shawna De La Rosa • Aug. 30, 2019 -
Emerging teen health dangers spark lawsuits against Juul
School leaders need more information about the dangers of vaping so they can educate students and develop new policies addressing the issue.
By Amelia Harper • Aug. 15, 2019