On February 5, 2026, the United States Department of Education (USDOE) issued updated guidance on constitutionally protected prayer and religious expression in public elementary and secondary schools. This updated guidance supersedes the 2023 Guidance issued under the Biden Administration. Both the 2023 and 2026 guidance require that, to receive federal funding, elementary and secondary public … [Read more...] about U.S. Department of Education Updates Guidance on Prayer and Religious Expression in Schools
School Law Bullet
Proposed Law Contemplates Statewide Ban on Student Cellphone Use
On February 3, 2026, Senate Bill No. 1014 passed with near unanimous support in the Pennsylvania Senate. Likely to pass in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, Pennsylvania school administrators are encouraged to review the prospective law and its implications on student cellphone usage in schools. Mandatory Policies If enacted, the law will require school entities to adopt “a policy … [Read more...] about Proposed Law Contemplates Statewide Ban on Student Cellphone Use
DOJ Eliminates Protections Against Disparate Impact Discrimination: What Public School Employers Should Know
Almost eight months after the President issued the Executive Order, “Restoring Equality of Opportunity and Meritocracy,” the United States Department of Justice took action to eliminate Title VI protections against disparate impact discrimination. Below, a review of the recent Federal action and discussion of its impact on public school employers. The Executive Order On April 23, … [Read more...] about DOJ Eliminates Protections Against Disparate Impact Discrimination: What Public School Employers Should Know
Now Is The Time To Plan for Special Education Services for Students of All Ages
The second half of the academic year is upon us. This is also the time that IEP Teams are busy making important programming decisions for students with disabilities. Special attention and planning are given to young children with disabilities who are preparing to transition to school age programming. For school aged students, the IEP Team must consider the effect of the upcoming … [Read more...] about Now Is The Time To Plan for Special Education Services for Students of All Ages
Pennsylvania District Court Allows Parents to Pursue Due Process Claim Over Access to Student Records
UPDATE: On December 31, 2025, the Court issued an Amended Memorandum, noting that its September 24, 2025 Memorandum “failed to recognize that [the parents] are not claiming a denial of FAPE in this action, but only a procedural violation.” On September 24, 2025, the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania held that parents can pursue a claim via the Individuals with … [Read more...] about Pennsylvania District Court Allows Parents to Pursue Due Process Claim Over Access to Student Records
Pennsylvania Supreme Court Reverses Commonwealth Court’s Ruling – Recognizes Four Stand-Alone Exceptions to the Sunshine Act’s 24-Hour Rule
On November 24, 2025, the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania reversed the Commonwealth Court’s 2023 decision in Coleman v. Parkland School District. The ruling expands the circumstances under which public agencies may take official action on items not listed on agendas posted at least 24 hours before a public meeting. Background in the Case Act 65 of 2021 amended Pennsylvania’s Sunshine Act to … [Read more...] about Pennsylvania Supreme Court Reverses Commonwealth Court’s Ruling – Recognizes Four Stand-Alone Exceptions to the Sunshine Act’s 24-Hour Rule
