EdLawConnect Blog

When educational institutions first embraced technology, a boilerplate Acceptable Use Policy (“AUP”) was generally sufficient to address many concerns about inappropriate behaviors, user expectations, system ownership, and electronic communications. In order to secure funding and grants, most institutions timely implemented an AUP and moved onto other more pressing issues. As technology ...

When Governor Jerry Brown signed SB 1404 into law on September 29, 2012, the Civic Center Act (Education Code section 38130 et seq.) was amended to expand the definition of direct costs that a school district governing board may charge for use of its school facilities or grounds. The amendment also removed language that limited the requirement to allow use to “when an alternate location is not available.” ...

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) introduced a new Form I-9 on March 8, 2013, for immediate use. The new form, which is identified with “version (Rev. 03/08/13)” in the lower left corner, features several new revisions:

• Expands the form from one page to two pages. The first page is to be completed by the employee, the second by the employer.

• Asks for employee ...

California community colleges are required to admit any California resident with a high school diploma.  But what if an applicant has been expelled or faces expulsion proceedings from another district for violent acts? Could such an applicant simply re-enroll in a neighboring district?  A new law, effective January 1, 2013, allows a district to deny admission, after holding a hearing to determine whether the ...

On Wednesday, February 20, 2013 the United States Third Circuit Court of Appeals heard oral argument in a case concerning whether or not the Easton Area School District may ban middle school students from wearing bracelets with the slogan “I ♥ Boobies! (Keep a Breast)” and similar statements.

Relying on the Supreme Court cases outlining students’ First Amendment rights to freedom of speech in ...

Over the past decade there has been a marked increase in the use of technology in education.  From the “early” days when schools began incorporating desk-top computers into the classroom, to the prevalence of laptop use by students and teachers, to the emergence of a variety of mobile devices in school contexts, the expansion of equipment and software adapted for educational purposes has been dramatic.

On ...