Prior to the mid-1970s, over one million children with disabilities were excluded from the nation's schools. In 1975, as a result of intense litigation and advocacy, Congress passed the Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EHA, P.L. 94-142), now called the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), mandating that public schools…

An English professor answers the most difficult questions from people who would censor school reading materials. The "secular humanism" controversy has provoked such diverse moral and legal meanings that librarians often avoid book selections. Educators can make informed decisions about good literature, even if the reality depicted appears…

Reaction of educators to court decision in "Mozert v. Hawkins County" should be tempered with common sense and flexibility. In his research on basal readers and textbooks, Paul Vitz found a distorted presentation of family life, neglect of the role of religion in contemporary American life, and neglect of patriotism, business, labor, and…

A review of court decisions about teacher testing programs shows that tests must be equitable and fair, must not be used to discriminate by race or sex, and that adequate notice to teachers is required. (MLF)

A district court decision that the firing of a bisexual counselor violated free speech and equal protection of the law was reversed by the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals. Although the United States Supreme Court declined to review the case, Justices Brennan and Marshall wrote dissenting opinions claiming unresolved constitutional issues. (MLF)

According to the Maryland Court of Special Appeals, a teacher sentenced to probation as a first offender for residing in an apartment where marijuana was grown and used was improperly dismissed from her teaching position despite a state law protecting first offenders, but remained subject to dismissal for misconduct. (PGD)

Reviews the United States Supreme Court's findings in "New Jersey vs. T.L.O.," a case hinging on the reasonableness of a school official's search of a student's purse. Cites several issues that remained unresolved after the decision and argues that the court could have been more helpful. (PGD)

Proposes creation of a tongue-in-cheek award for those who would rather sue than try to resolve problems through negotiation and communication. Nominates specific cases tried in 1982, 1983, and 1984 to receive the award. (Author/PGD)

Considers two lost court suits: in one, a basketball referee was sued for a "bad" call that led to a loss by the team promoted on the litigant's merchandise; in the other, a university was sued for permitting graduating students to throw their mortarboards, one of which injured the litigant. (PGD)

The Texas Supreme Court ruled that students' rights to participate in extracurricular activities were not on the same level as rights to free speech and found that the state law barring failing students from extracurricular activities was rationally related to a legitimate state interest in educational quality. (PGD)

U.S. Supreme Court decisions handed down in June and July 1985 rejected the use of silent periods for religious purposes in the public schools, and restricted the use of public funds to support supplemental educational programs in parochial school settings. (PGD)

Reviews trends in U.S. Supreme Court decisions affecting schools before and since 1975. Notes that since 1975 emphasis has shifted away from the individual rights of school officials to run schools as they deem appropriate. Foresees upcoming litigation focusing on educational reforms. (PGD)

Reviews "Bethel School District vs. Fraser," a case in which a student was suspended for presenting an "indecent" speech to his school's student body. Lower courts found the student's First Amendment rights violated, but the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to hear the case suggests these rights may be reexamined. (PGD)

Blasts the supreme court of Washington State for its inappropriate treatment of Larry Witters, a legally blind student denied state vocational rehabilitation funds because his intended Bible studies program supposedly violated the First Amendment's establishment clause. Even a United States Supreme Court reversal failed to end Witter's…

Self-interested political, corporate, and education leaders have undermined recent West Virginia court decisions mandating educational reform. Three implications are: (1) principals, teachers, parents, and students must be equal partners in the educaiton reform process; (2) a constituency for rural children is needed; and (3) rural educators must…