The state’s agreement to resolve a class action lawsuit filed in July 2023 creates the potential for students that turned age 21 during the 2022-23 school year to return to school this year until their next birthday. What Happened On the evening of August 30, the Pennsylvania Department of Education announced an amended policy for age eligibility for students receiving special education … [Read more...] about Pennsylvania Department of Education Issues Last-Minute Policy Change to Increase Student Eligibility for FAPE
School Law Bullet
How School Districts May Implement Curricula Promoting Racially Inclusive Schools
On August 24, 2023, the United States Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) released a Dear Colleague Letter (DCL), which provides guidance on Race and School Programming. The DCL clarifies circumstances under which schools can develop curricula and programs that promote racially inclusive schools. “This resource aims to assist our nation’s schools to fulfill Congress’ … [Read more...] about How School Districts May Implement Curricula Promoting Racially Inclusive Schools
Third Circuit Ruling May Allow University Students to Seek COVID Tuition Refunds
On August 11, 2023, the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit issued a precedential opinion in response to students’ claims for tuition refunds related to effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Will this decision open the floodgates for more lawsuits? “Like many colleges and universities across the country, the University of Pittsburgh and Temple University responded to the novel … [Read more...] about Third Circuit Ruling May Allow University Students to Seek COVID Tuition Refunds
$9.1 Million New Jersey Bullying Settlement Sends Warning Signal to Schools
According to recent news reports, a New Jersey school district has agreed to pay $9.1 million to the parents of a middle school student who took her own life after being bullied in school and online in 2017. Similar lawsuits against school districts concerning bullying have been making headlines in recent months, with some resulting in multimillion dollar settlements in favor of parents and … [Read more...] about $9.1 Million New Jersey Bullying Settlement Sends Warning Signal to Schools
What Schools Should Know About the CROWN Act
On July 7, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives passed the CROWN Act by a 182-21 bipartisan vote. CROWN stands for Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair. If the Senate passes the measure, it will amend the state’s Human Relations Act to prohibit discrimination based on hair texture or style and apply to both students and employees. To date, about two dozen states … [Read more...] about What Schools Should Know About the CROWN Act
Can a School Board Member Block a Critical Parent on Social Media? SCOTUS Agrees to Hear Case
While social media can be an effective and efficient tool to communicate with parents and other stakeholders, its role in public education has come under scrutiny in recent years and has even landed some school districts in the middle of lawsuits. One lawsuit likely to shed some light on what school board members can and cannot do when using their social media accounts is O’Connor-Ratcliff v. … [Read more...] about Can a School Board Member Block a Critical Parent on Social Media? SCOTUS Agrees to Hear Case
