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Educational Law and Ethical Leadership


Course Description

Legal principles applied to educational institutions, including federal and state constitutional provisions, legislation, administrative regulations, and case law.


Athena Title

Ed Law & Eth Ldrshp


Equivalent Courses

Not open to students with credit in EDAP 7040E


Semester Course Offered

Offered every year.


Grading System

A - F (Traditional)


Course Objectives

Students studying school law will: Develop an awareness of American governance systems, sources of the law, and the role of the courts in American education. Explore legal principals, ideology, and jurisprudential maxims.


Topical Outline

Course introduction and overview. Governance structures and the legal system. School funding litigation: equity and politics. Compulsory school attendance. Church and State relations. Curriculum censorship. Student freedom of expression. Student discipline and due process. Corporal punishment. Mandatory reporting statutes for abuse and neglect. School searches. Special education law. Contracts. Teacher freedom of expression. Teachers' private lives. Employment discrimination. School desegregation. Torts. Professional responsibility and ethics. Other legal issues selected by students.


Syllabus