Education

Judge Declares Local School Property Taxes Unconstitutional, Demands State Funds to Ensure Adequate Education for All

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Concord, N.H. — Superior Court Judge David Ruoff has determined that the state of New Hampshire has failed to fulfill its obligation to adequately fund public education, a conclusion that extends to the unconstitutionality of varying local school property tax rates across municipalities. Ruoff’s ruling arises from a lawsuit filed by property taxpayers, including Steven Rand, following a New Hampshire Supreme Court decision in July. The high court had upheld Ruoff’s earlier determination that the state’s funding of $4,182 per pupil is “facially unconstitutional,” while affirming his assessment that an adequate funding level is $7,356.01 … Read more

San Jose State’s Quest for Legal Education: New Bill Aims to Introduce Joint Programs with Lincoln Law School Amidst Ongoing Debates on Access and Accreditation

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San Jose, California — The future of legal education in Silicon Valley is under scrutiny as a new legislative proposal aims to enhance access to law degrees by allowing San Jose State University to collaborate with the Lincoln Law School of San Jose. This shift comes amidst a broader conversation about the state’s Master Plan for Higher Education, which currently restricts public law schools to the University of California system. State Senator Dave Cortese, the proposal’s author and a graduate of Lincoln Law School, initially introduced a bill that would facilitate a merger between San … Read more

Court Tosses Oklahoma Education Department’s Lawsuit Against Freedom From Religion Foundation Over Student Prayer Case

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MUSKOGEE, Okla. — A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit filed by the Oklahoma State Department of Education against the Freedom From Religion Foundation, marking a significant development in a legal battle that began earlier this year. The lawsuit arose after the foundation sent a cease-and-desist letter to a local school that had permitted a student to pray over the intercom. The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced its decision on the grounds that the state lacked legal standing in the case. According to court documents, the state was unable to … Read more

Urgent Call for Reform: Advocates Push to Revitalize Connecticut’s Special Education Framework

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HARTFORD, Conn. — Advocates and legal experts are urging a comprehensive reform of Connecticut’s special education system amid a state-funded audit aimed at enhancing its effectiveness. As families continue to voice concerns about the adequacy of services and support, stakeholders stress the need for significant changes to address the challenges faced by students with disabilities. The state’s special education framework has come under scrutiny for its inconsistent implementation and gaps in service delivery. Parents and educators alike have reported frustrations, highlighting instances where students do not receive necessary resources or support tailored to their individual … Read more