U.S. Supreme Court Declines to Hear “I (Heart) Boobies” Student Speech Case
By: Amanda Sundquist I have previously blogged about a First Amendment law suit brought by two middle school students against Easton Area School District in federal court. The school district banned the wearing of “I (heart) Boobies” bracelets distributed by the Keep A Breast Foundation. The students were suspended for failing to comply …
New Concussion Standards for School Districts
By: Amanda Sundquist On November 9, 2011, the “Safety in Youth Sports Act” was signed into law. The Act addresses concussion and head injury risks for student athletes and the education of the coaching staff. School districts have new parent notification obligations under the Act. Prior to participation of a student athlete in an …
School Board Prayer: The Third Circuit Rules
By: Andrew D.H. Rau The constitutional debate surrounding student prayer in the public school setting has long been the subject of discussion in the federal courts. Now, the Third Circuit Court of Appeals has issued an important decision on a related question—the right of a school board to open its meetings with prayer. Third …
New Guidance on Student Enrollment
By: Amanda Sundquist The United States Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) has recently issued a “Dear Colleague” letter regarding school district enrollment practices. The letter focuses on practices that may discourage enrollment of students based on their or their parents’ actual or perceived citizenship or immigration status. Under federal …
Office of Civil Rights Responds to Questions Regarding Harassment and Bullying
By: Amanda Sundquist On October 28, 2010, I blogged about the United States Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights issuing a “Dear Colleagues” letter addressing school districts’ obligations in regard to bullying and harassment of district students. In December 2010, the National School Boards Association wrote a letter to Office …
Court Grants Preliminary Injunction in Student First Amendment Case
By: Amanda Sundquist On December 17, 2010, I blogged about a First Amendment law suit brought by two middle school students against Easton Area School District in federal court. The District banned the wearing of “I (heart) Boobies” bracelets distributed by the Keep A Breast Foundation. The students were suspended for …
First Amendment Case Filed in Response to School District Ban
By: Amanda Sundquist Two middle school students have brought a First Amendment law suit against the Easton Area School District in the United State District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. The District banned the wearing of “I (heart) Boobies” bracelets distributed by the Keep A Breast Foundation. The students …
United States Department of Education Addresses School Bullying and Harassment
By: Amanda J. Sundquist On October 26, 2010, the United States Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, issued a “Dear Colleagues” letter addressing school districts’ obligations in regard to bullying and harassment of students. The letter encourages school districts to review their bullying and harassment policies and practices to ensure compliance with …
Court Rules on Sunshine Act Exception
By: Amanda Sundquist In a matter of first impression, the Commonwealth Court has concluded that the Sunshine Act may be violated when property owners are permitted to participate in an executive session for litigation purposes related to a tax assessment appeal. In Trib Total Media v. Highland School District, at the conclusion of a …
School Districts Review Handbooks & Policies for Consistency
[flv:https://www.utbf.com/school-law/videos/Amanda_Sundquist_01.mov.FLV 450 250] By: Amanda Sundquist Watch the above video to find out why it is important for your school district to review student handbooks and school board policies for consistency. Give Amanda a call at (610) 692-137 if you would like to discuss your district’s student handbook and school board policies.