On March 15, 2024, the Supreme Court of the United States ruled that state officials may be sued in some circumstances where they act in their official capacity on social media. Applying the state-action doctrine, the Court ruled on Lindke v. Freed, No. 22-611, 2024 U.S. LEXIS 1214 (Mar. 15, 2024), a case arising from a public official’s act of deleting comments and blocking profiles from his … [Read more...] about Supreme Court Reviews Whether Public Officials Can Be Sued for Blocking Users on Social Media
School Law Bullet
Governor Shapiro Addresses General Assembly: “Real Opportunity Begins in Our Classrooms”
On February 6, 2024, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro delivered his 2024-2025 Budget Address. Acknowledging the Commonwealth’s current, unconstitutional school funding system, Governor Shapiro proposes an increased budget and new programs to guarantee every student receives the thorough and efficient education they are entitled to. A Need For Change On February 7, 2023, a Pennsylvania … [Read more...] about Governor Shapiro Addresses General Assembly: “Real Opportunity Begins in Our Classrooms”
Pennsylvania Governor Shapiro Signs Three New Acts to Help Update Public School Code
Removing derogatory terms, making it easier for teachers to transfer to/from other states, and addressing dual enrollment calculations are among the varied legislation Governor Shapiro signed last week to update and improve various aspects of the Public School Code. Act 33 Act 33, sponsored by Representative Harkins, updates language throughout the School Code to remove outdated and … [Read more...] about Pennsylvania Governor Shapiro Signs Three New Acts to Help Update Public School Code
Increased Protections Expected for Students in Pennsylvania School District Residency Disputes
On November 13, 2023, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives unanimously passed House Bill No. 663. Upon passage in the state Senate, HB 663 will amend Section 1302 of the Pennsylvania Public School Code, which governs residence and students’ right to free school. KingSpry’s Education Law Practice Group Chair Attorney Kristine Roddick details what schools need to know and how this … [Read more...] about Increased Protections Expected for Students in Pennsylvania School District Residency Disputes
Recent Case Strengthens 24 Hour Rule Under Sunshine Law
On November 8, 2023, Pennsylvania’s Commonwealth Court, in Coleman v. Parkland School District, held that pursuant to Pennsylvania’s Sunshine Act, a public entity holding a public meeting must post its agenda at least 24 hours ahead of its scheduled meeting and is prohibited from taking official action or adding items within that 24 hour time frame unless the issue meets one of the three … [Read more...] about Recent Case Strengthens 24 Hour Rule Under Sunshine Law
Pennsylvania Teachers’ Right to Religious Expression Enhanced With Passage of Senate Bill 84
The Pennsylvania General Assembly passed Senate Bill No. 84 this past week. This action eliminates the law that penalizes public school teachers for wearing religious garb while in the performance of their duties. What led to the passage of SB 84 and what impact it will have on Pennsylvania public schools? Amendment to the Public School Code SB 84 repeals Section 1112 of the Pennsylvania … [Read more...] about Pennsylvania Teachers’ Right to Religious Expression Enhanced With Passage of Senate Bill 84