E.A. Gjelten
Legal Editor
Do Students Have to Stand for the Pledge of Allegiance or the National Anthem at School?
Students at public schools and universities have a constitutional right to express their beliefs by sitting out the pledge of allegiance or the national anthem. But in a few states, schools can require parental permission before excusing K-12 students from participating. ... READ MORE
Can I Make the School District Pay for My Special Ed Child’s Private School?
If public schools can’t or won’t provide appropriate special education services for students with disabilities, federal law gives parents the right to have their children placed in a suitable private school at no cost. ... READ MORE
My Dog Bit Someone. What Am I Legally Supposed to Do Now?
Learn about your legal responsibilities after your dog has injured someone—and what might happen next, including quarantine, a lawsuit, and having your pet seized. ... READ MORE
School Discipline: Frequently Asked Questions
Are school officials threatening you or your child with discipline? Or is your child a victim of another student’s behavior? Learn about how school discipline works, in K-12 schools as well as colleges and universities, and what you can do to protect students' rights. ... READ MORE
What Are Zero Tolerance Policies in Schools?
Learn why schools apply “zero tolerance” policies to student discipline, how those policies affect children’s education and future, and what you can do if your child is facing harsh punishment based on zero tolerance. ... READ MORE
When Can Schools Expel Students?
Expelling a student should be a discipline of last resort, but it’s the first choice for some misconduct—like bringing a gun to school. Learn what other behaviors can get your expelled. ... READ MORE
What Are Students' Rights in School Disciplinary Proceedings?
Students have constitutional due-process rights when public schools accuse them of misconduct. They also have other rights under federal and state laws. ... READ MORE
What Kinds of Behavior Can Lead to Suspension From School?
Depending on where you live, your child could be suspended from school for anything from bullying or hurting another student to talking back to teachers. ... READ MORE
What Are Teachers’ Responsibilities to Their Students?
Parents may have legal options if teachers don’t meet their obligations to students under the law and ethical rules. ... READ MORE
Religion in Public Schools
Public schools may not promote religion, but they must allow students to practice their faith. Learn how the both sides of religious liberty affect prayers at school, students' expression of their faith, religious holiday displays, and more. ... READ MORE