Law & Policy in Schools

Fall 2025

Volume 1, Issue 1

The inaugural issue of Law & Policy in Schools! Seven articles, plus a Supreme Court update - what cases were decided and what's coming up.

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In This Issue

Table of Contents

  1. Commentary

    An Invisible Monster

    By Janet R. Decker, J.D., Ph.D.

    Find out how school employees can overcome their fear of the law by becoming legally literate, transforming a "monster" of anxiety into a tool for empowerment and better decision-making.

  2. Law & Policy Spotlight

    Navigating AI in Schools: Are Your Student Handbook and Code of Conduct Ready?

    By Christopher D. Thomas, J.D., Ph.D.

    How can school leaders proactively update student handbooks and codes of conduct to address the complex ethical and legal challenges posed by generative AI tools?

  3. Cover Story

    Whose Speech Is It Anyway?

    By Jamie Kudlats, Ph.D., & Christopher D. Thomas, J.D., Ph.D.

    Given the many issues important to students, this article breaks down the legal precedents that define student protest rights, along with what can get administrators into trouble and what is permissible to maintain school safety.

  4. Case Brief

    A.A. v. Northside Independent School District

    By Kevin P. Brady, Ph.D., & Christy L. Smith, Ed.D.

    This brief reviews the Fifth Circuit's decision regarding special education services, clarifying that an IEP is sufficient if it is individually designed to meet a student's unique needs rather than being "perfect".

  5. Feature

    2025 Supreme Court Update

    Here, we provide a concise "cheat sheet" on recent rulings regarding religious curriculum opt-outs, disability discrimination standards, and the constitutionality of federal technology funding.

  6. Law & Policy Spotlight

    Social Media Insights for School Leaders

    By Elisabeth Krimbill, Ed.D.

    Read about the legal two-pronged test used to evaluate educator social media speech, emphasizing the need to balance personal free speech rights with the school's educational mission.

  7. Feature

    Words of Wisdom: Practical Advice for Legally Literate Educators

    By Justin Oxley

    Dr. Oxley offers practical principles for school leaders, arguing that a student-centered vision and a culture of trust serve as the strongest defenses against legal challenges and litigation.

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Fall 2025

This issue is free to read. No login required.