U.S. Supreme Court affirms school violated student’s First Amendment rights, but allows for some regulation of off-campus speech

On June 23, 2021, in Mahanoy Area School District v. B. L., the United States Supreme Court issued a highly anticipated opinion addressing a public school’s ability to regulate off-campus student speech. In an 8-1 decision, the Court held that while public schools may regulate […]

Superior court denies preliminary injunction in Cayla J. v. State of California  

On June 15, 2021, the Alameda County Superior Court made its first ruling in Cayla J. v. State of California, denying a motion for preliminary injunction in a lawsuit alleging that California has failed to offer equal education to low-income students of color during the […]

California education leaders on supporting LGBTQ students

The California Department of Education hosted a webinar series during Pride Month on supporting LGBTQ students covering topics including free training and access to partnerships, California Education Code 218 and examples of schools and organizations working for change. During one of the events, State Superintendent […]

Turning crisis into opportunity: Resources for board members in planning for the 2021–22 year and beyond

By Jeremy Anderson CSBA’s Delegate Assembly met on May 16, 2021 to discuss one of the most significant and scrutinized issues in the history of California public schools: the return of full-time, in-person instruction statewide. Nearly 250 Delegates were organized into 14 breakout rooms to […]

Inclusion and support beneficial for LGBTQ youth, report finds

LGBTQ youth continue to face higher rates of bullying, harassment and mental health challenges, but new research suggests that all students reap the benefits when schools demonstrate to their LGBT+ pupils that they are safe and welcome. The report, “Growing Up LGBT+,” released June 14 […]

Department of Education launches webinar series to address inequity in schools

The U.S. Department of Education is signaling that equity will be a priority under the Biden Administration, announcing the release of a new report highlighting the disparate impacts of COVID-19 on K-12 and postsecondary students in underserved communities, the release of Maintenance of Equity guidance […]

Cal/OSHA issues revised Emergency Temporary Standards to align with CDPH guidelines

Employers now have additional guidance for employee COVID-19 protections in the workplace. On June 17, 2021, the Cal/OSHA Board adopted newly revised Emergency Temporary Standards. While the new standards more closely align with face-covering guidance regarding vaccinated individuals released by the Centers for Disease Control […]

Students with disabilities can benefit from expanded learning opportunities

Recent research related to summer learning loss among students with disabilities was discussed in a June 8 webinar, “Supporting COVID-19 Recovery for Students with Disabilities: Research Findings, Policy Recommendations, and Lessons from the Ground,” hosted by NWEA, The Alliance for Excellent Education, Future Ready Schools […]