School

Federal Judge Allows Lawsuit Against Escambia County School District’s Book Ban to Continue, Protecting Free Speech Rights

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Pensacola, Florida – A federal judge has denied a motion to dismiss a lawsuit that claims the Escambia County school district violated free speech rights by removing and restricting books in school libraries. The lawsuit, filed by PEN America, Penguin Random House, five authors, and seven parents, seeks the return of all challenged and banned library books to the shelves. During a hearing at the federal courthouse in Pensacola, U.S. District Judge T. Kent Wetherell II listened to arguments from both sides regarding the dismissal of the case. Wetherell ultimately decided to move the case … Read more

Judge Allows Lawsuit Against Former Sheriff’s Deputy in Parkland School Massacre to Proceed

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FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – A judge has ruled that a lawsuit filed by families of the victims of the Parkland school massacre can proceed against former sheriff’s deputy Scot Peterson, who failed to intervene during the attack. Circuit Judge Carol-Lisa Phillips denied Peterson’s motion to dismiss the case before trial, stating that a jury should determine whether Peterson showed a “wanton and willful disregard” for the safety of the students and teachers during the six-minute shooting. Although Peterson was acquitted of criminal charges last year, the standard of proof is lower in a civil lawsuit. … Read more

Understanding Antisemitism: How a New Course at Cornell Law School Explores its History and Legal Significance

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New York, NY – A new course at Cornell Law School aims to tackle the issue of antisemitism by examining its historical roots through the lens of the law. Menachem Rosensaft, an adjunct professor of law at Cornell Law School, will teach the course titled “Antisemitism in the Courts and in Jurisprudence” in the upcoming spring semester. The course will be offered to both law students and undergraduates, with the goal of equipping students with the tools to recognize and effectively confront all forms of bigotry. As the son of two Holocaust survivors, Rosensaft has … Read more

Lawsuit Exposes Racial Discrimination and ‘Hostile Environment’ Within Davis School District

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FARMINGTON, Utah – A federal lawsuit has been filed against the Davis School District, alleging racial discrimination and a hostile work environment. The lawsuit was brought by a woman who was hired by the district to investigate racial harassment. The plaintiff, who is Black, claims she was subjected to a hostile work environment and treated differently than her lighter-skinned non-Black colleagues. The lawsuit also accuses the district of failing to address discrimination against both students and employees. According to the lawsuit, one incident involved a district coordinator allegedly giving the plaintiff a handful of garbage … Read more