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Plessy v. Ferguson
Plessy V. Ferguson
Plessy V. Ferguson was a landmark case that helped to justify segregation in the south. People could be kept seperate as long as it was 'seperate but equal'. This was a guiding legal framework that allowed many southern schools to have 'seperate but equal' schools. Fostering segregation in school. Despite further rulings that have overturned such practice, the effects of these rulings can still be felt today. -
W Virginia Board of Education, et. al. v. Barnette
This case began by a group of Jehovah Witnesses who petitioned that their freedom of speech was violated with the pledge of allegiance.
The courts ruled in favor of the group not on the basis of religion, but that no institution can deny the freedom of speech.
This is important as we carry on the traditon of the pledge, to respect the free speech of those who participate, or choose not to participate. It also reminds us that students have rights to free speech as well. -
Brown v. Board of Education
Brown v. Board of Education is on the most influential decision in our history. Not only did it show that seperate is inherintly unequal, but it broke ground for the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This helped define education as a opportunity that should be equitably treated. This decision, effects classrooms today. It implies that students of any background cannot be placed imbalanced in classrooms, however well intentioned. -
Engel v. Vitale
Engel V. VitaleIn Engel v. Vitale, a group of parents in New York, petitioned to stop the formal prayers sancitoned by the district, did not align with their personal beliefs. The courts later ruled in their favor and suggested that any time set aside from prayer was unconstitutional.
This has led to further arguments of prayers at graduations, football games and other public gatherings. This clearly prevents any school sponsered prayer -
Lau v. Nichols
In this Landmark case, students of Chinese origin, were seeking support for their limited english proficiency. They suggested that the Civli Liberties Act of 1964 afforded them the right to access to equal education.
Since this decision, ESL educaiton has been slowly evolving and has found an increased need in our schools. This is critical in many Utah schools as many students are moving from many different countries. It is important to remember to support the needs of ALL students. -
Goss v. Lopez
A high school student along with 10 others, were suspended for 10 days after a susptected vanadlism. The student contested that he was not affored a hearing before such a consequence is applied. The court sided with the student, stating that his Due Process rights were not met. This is important to remember that students and parents need to be afforded the right have a fair process when dealing with consequences. -
Ingraham vs. Wright
In this case, a student was given corporal punishment so severe, he could not attend school. The parents sued the district.
The ruling states that the district has provided sufficient due process for students. They sided with state laws to address the issue.
Despite the lawfulness in some cases, it does remind of the need to follow the due process of students discipline. I think it is important for districts to have clear expectations and procedures in place, so parents are fully aware. -
Board of Education v. Rowley
In this case, a deaf kindergarten student was not afforded a Fair and appropriate public education, and requested a sign language interpreter.
The ruling states that the district did not need to have an interpreter, however, it said that students nned to be afforded support that is Fair and Appropriate.
This is important as an educator to realize that students with disabilities need to be given support that will help them to gain success. -
New Jersey v. T. L .O.
A High School Student was caught in the bathroom and accused of smoking. She denied, but the principal asked to see her purse. In the purse were items that implicated her in other drug use and disttribution. It was contested based on the legality of the search as invasion of privacy. The courts ruled in favor of the search, stating that the school has more of a right when it comes to safety of its fellow students. This is important because we need reasonable suspicion before we can search. -
Bethel School District v. Fraser
A student used sexual innuendos in a speech and was suspended.
The student sued, stating it was his freedom of speech. The court sided with the district in stating that while a student has the right to speak his opinions, that those freedoms are limited in a school setting, especially violent or sexually explicit speech. This is important to recognize that students should be given opportunities to express themselves, but there is a line of vulgarity that is contradictory to the schools safety
