School Psych Case Law

Popular Cases and Outcomes

Mahanoy Area School District v. B.L. (2021)

A landmark Supreme Court case that addressed the limits of student speech, ruling that public schools could not impose disciplinary actions for off-campus speech without evidence of disruption to the school environment.

Agastini v. Felton (1997)

A Supreme Court case that ruled on the constitutionality of a New York City program that provided public funding for educational services to students in private schools, determining that it did not violate the Establishment Clause.

Ambach v. Norwick (1979)

A Supreme Court case that upheld the state's ability to deny a teaching certificate to non-citizens, examining the balance between public interest and individual rights.

Baker v. Owen (1975)

A landmark case addressing the responsibilities of schools to prevent discrimination against students with disabilities, emphasizing the need for appropriate educational opportunities.

Bethel School District No. 403 v. Fraser (1986)

A Supreme Court case that upheld the school's authority to regulate student speech and behavior, particularly in relation to lewd and indecent language during school-sponsored events.

Board of Education of the Hendrick Hudson Central School District v. Rowley (1982)

A landmark case that established the standard for providing Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) to students with disabilities, determining that educational programs must be tailored to meet the individual needs of the student.

Bostock v. Clayton County (2020)

A significant Supreme Court case that ruled that discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity is a form of sex discrimination under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, thus providing protections for LGBTQ+ employees.

Burnside v. Byars (1966)

A significant case that established students' rights to free speech in schools, ruling that school officials cannot censor student publications unless they can show that the content is inappropriate or disruptive.

Cedar Rapids Community School District v. Garret F. (1999)

A pivotal case that determined that schools must provide related services to students with disabilities if those services are necessary for them to benefit from their education, affirming the requirements of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

Clevenger v. Oak Ridge School Board (1984)

A notable case addressing the rights of students to free expression, ruling that educational institutions must respect student speech unless it disrupts the educational process.

C.N. v. Wolf (2005)

A significant case that addressed the provision of educational services for students with disabilities, determining that school districts are responsible for creating suitable individualized education programs (IEPs) as mandated by IDEA.

Connick v. Myers (1983)

A landmark case addressing public employee free speech, ruling that public employers can limit employee speech if it does not pertain to a matter of public concern, thus balancing employee rights with the government's interest in effective workplace functioning.

Corchado v. Board of Education of Rochester City (2000)

A pivotal case involving the rights of students in relation to school discipline and free speech, establishing that students retain certain First Amendment rights on school grounds.

Crawford v. Honig (1994)

A significant case focusing on the rights of students with disabilities, determining that schools must provide appropriate accommodations and protections under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

Daniel R.R. v. Texas Board of Education (1989)

A landmark case that established the standard for determining whether a school district has met its obligations under IDEA, particularly regarding the least restrictive environment and individualized education plans.

Davis v. Monroe County Board of Education (1999)

A pivotal case that addressed the responsibilities of schools in preventing and addressing student-on-student sexual harassment under Title IX, establishing that schools can be held liable for failing to act on such harassment.

Denita Harris v. District of Columbia (2008)

A significant case that focused on the rights of students with disabilities, determining that the school district must provide appropriate accommodations and support to ensure equal access to education.

Devries v. Fairfax County School District (1989)

A notable case that established the obligation of school districts to ensure students with disabilities receive a free appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment, addressing procedural safeguards and parental involvement.

D.G. v. Somerset Hills School District (2008)

A key case that clarified the standards for determining whether a student with disabilities is being denied a free appropriate public education, emphasizing the need for individualized educational programs and appropriate assessments.

Diana v. State Board of Education (1973)

A landmark case that addressed the testing practices for students with disabilities, ruling that standardized tests must be culturally and linguistically appropriate to avoid discrimination and ensure fair evaluation.

Dickens by Dickens v. Johnson County Board of Education (1987)

A significant case that focused on the procedural safeguards for students with disabilities, ruling that educational institutions must provide appropriate support and interventions consistent with individual needs.

Donohue v. Copiague Union Free School District (1979)

A notable case that set important precedents regarding the rights of students with disabilities in relation to their access to education and the appropriate evaluations needed to support their learning needs.

Doug C. v. Hawaii Department of Education (2013)

A pivotal case that reinforced the requirement for appropriate evaluations and services for students with disabilities, affirming their right to a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

Honig v. Doe (1988)

A landmark case that established that students with disabilities cannot be expelled for behavior that is a manifestation of their disability, affirming protections under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

Eisel v. Board of Education of Montgomery County (1991)

A significant case addressing the liability of school officials for failing to protect students from foreseeable harm, emphasizing the duty of care owed to students.

Elizabeth S. v. Thomas K. Gilhool (1987)

A crucial case that examined the educational rights of students with disabilities, focusing on their entitlement to appropriate educational programs and services that address their specific needs.

El Paso Independent School District v. Richard R. (2008)

A pivotal case that clarified the standards for evaluating educational placements for students with disabilities, emphasizing the necessity of an individualized education program and considering the least restrictive environment.

Endrew v. Douglas County School District (2017)

A landmark case that set a higher standard for evaluating the educational progress of students with disabilities, requiring that schools provide meaningful educational benefits that are appropriate to the child's circumstances.

Epperson v. State of Arkansas (1968)

A significant Supreme Court case that struck down a state law prohibiting the teaching of evolution in public schools, affirming the separation of church and state in education.

Espinoza v. Montana Department of Revenue (2020)

A Supreme Court case that upheld the right of students to use state-funded scholarships at religious schools, ruling that states cannot discriminate against religious institutions in programs that provide funding for private education.

Fay v. South Colonie Central School District (1986)

A significant case in which the court ruled that a school district cannot limit students' access to educational services based on perceived behavior issues. It emphasized the need for schools to provide equitable education opportunities to all students.

Forest Grove School District v. T.A. (2009)

Supreme Court held that IDEA authorizes reimbursement for private special-education services when a public school fails to provide free appropriate public education (FAPE) and the private school placement is appropriate, regardless of whether the child previously received special education services through the public school.

Fry v. Napolean Community Schools (2017)

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) does not require that a plaintiff exhaust administrative remedies before suing under the Americans with Disabilities Act if the plaintiff’s claims are not based in, and seeking relief for, the denial of a free and appropriate public education (FAPE).