1. Supreme Court Cases Impacting School Policy in the United States

2. Supreme Court What branch of government? What does it do?
Judicial
What does it do?
Explain laws (decide if they follow constitution)
How many members? 9
How chosen?
Appointed by President, approved by Senate vote
Leader called?
Chief Justice

4. Tinker v. DesMoines (1969)
Students suspended for wearing arm bands to protest Vietnam War. ‘
School says it would disrupt learning environment
1st Amendment right of free expression violated?

5. Outcome of Tinker v. Des Moines
Court sided with students. No proof that arm bands disrupt school environment
What this means today?
Schools have a right to restrict free expression if it is proven to cause disruption to learning environment (Dress Code, Speech, Hair, Actions)

7. Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier (1988)
Principal removed pages from school newspaper. 1 article criticized student parent over divorce. Other article about teenage pregnancy, sex, and birth control.
Students claim 1st amendment violation
School claims disturbance to learning environment and school pays all expenses of newspaper

8. Outcome of Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier
Supreme Court determined schools can control school sponsored speech. Schools would be liable for false statements.
What this means today?
School newspapers do not get same rights of free press as out of school newspapers.

10. Wallace v. Jafree (1985)
Alabama school had 1 minute daily moment of silence. Students had been taught specific prayers and sometimes recited them during the 1 minute.
Parent Ismael Jafree claimed violation of free religion (1st Amendment)

11. Outcome of Wallace v. Jafree
Supreme Court ruled (6-3) that 1st amendment right was violated.
What this means today:
Prayer in schools can be voluntary only. It cannot be promoted by the school district. Voluntary prayer has never been banned.

13. New Jersey v. TLO (1985)
14 yr. old caught smoking in bathroom. Principal searched purse and found cigarettes and drug materials and list of students who owed money. TLO was turned over to juvenile services with charges pressed.
Student used claiming 4th amendment (search and seizure) was not protected. School had no right to search her purse.

14. Outcome of New Jersey v. TLO
Supreme Court sided with school district. Ruled principal had a right to search.
What this means today:
School officials can search students bags today with reasonable suspicion.