Does the University of Michigan’s policy on accepting minority students violate the Equal Protection Clause? This case summary shows how the Supreme Court answered that question in 2003.
Locke v. Davey (2004)
Does the Free Exercise Clause require states to fund religious instruction if providing merit-based college scholarships for secular instruction? This case summary shows how the Supreme Court answered that question in 2004.
Morse v. Frederick (2007)
Does the First Amendment allow public schools to prohibit students from displaying pro-drug messages during a school-supervised event? This case summary shows how the Supreme Court answered that question in 2007.
A Conversation on Brown v. Board of Education
Supreme Court Justices Stephen G. Breyer, Sandra Day O’Connor and Anthony M. Kennedy discuss with high school students this landmark case that ended racial segregation in schools. They explore the background of the case, the role of Thurgood Marshall, how Brown v. Board of Education was decided, and the events following the unanimous ruling that said that “separate education facilities are inherently unequal.” A PDF lesson plan accompanies this video.
One School’s Fight: The Making of a Law
This documentary tells the story of a tiny school in Yosemite National Park that tries to solve its funding problem by getting a bill passed in Congress and, in the process, learns many lessons about how federal laws are made.
Owasso v. Falvo (2002)
Does the practice of peer grading violate the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974? This case summary shows how the Supreme Court answered this question in 2002.
Parents Involved v. Seattle (2007)
Does the Equal Protection Clause forbid school districts from using a race-conscious student assignment plan to promote racial integration? This case summary shows how the Supreme Court answered this question in 2007.
Pottawatomie v. Earls (2002)
Is a school system’s random suspicionless drug-testing of students involved in extracurricular activities in violation of the Fourth Amendment? This Supreme Court case summery answers some questions about students’ rights in a high school setting.
Constitution Day Across the Country
Various free, downloadable lessons across grades K through 12 to facilitate providing educational programs on Constitution Day. These interactive lessons teach about the development and evolution of the U.S. Constitution. Students are able to express themselves through discussion and debates while engaging in various activities.
Safford v. Redding (2009)
Does the Fourth Amendment prohibit public school officials from conducting an intrusive search of a student suspected of possessing drugs? This case summary shows how the Supreme Court answered this question in 2009.