New Kentucky Laws Set to Impact Student Phone Use and Protester Fees

FRANKFORT, Ky. — A series of new laws aimed at schools and public protests are set to take effect in Kentucky, impacting students and demonstrators across the state. Among the notable changes is a ban on student cellphone usage during school hours, alongside new guidelines for handling protests. With the new law banning cellphones in schools, educators believe the policy will help reduce distractions in the classroom, aiming to improve focus and learning outcomes. Proponents argue that this initiative is essential in fostering an environment conducive to education, emphasizing the importance of face-to-face interactions for … Read more

University Under Fire: Controversy Erupts Over Handling of Student Misconduct Case Involving Athlete

Chapel Hill, North Carolina — The University of North Carolina (UNC) faces scrutiny after failing to comply with public records requests related to a student’s misconduct case involving Zayden High, a member of the basketball team. Under North Carolina law, universities are generally required to release disciplinary records for students found in violation of sexual misconduct policies, following a 2020 ruling by the state’s Supreme Court. Emails obtained by the student newspaper reveal that High recorded another student without consent in January 2024. During a subsequent investigation, the University Compliance Office (UCO) determined that High … Read more

California Court Upholds $1 Million Verdict for Former Student Bullied in El Segundo School District, Highlighting Systemic Failures in Student Protection

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — A California appeals court has ruled in favor of Eleri Irons, a former middle school student, reinstating a $1 million verdict against the El Segundo Unified School District for its failure to protect her from a nearly year-long harassment campaign that involved verbal and cyberbullying. In the 2022 ruling by a Los Angeles Superior Court jury, the district was found negligent in its duty to supervise and adequately train its staff. This determination arrived after Irons, who was just 13 at the time the bullying began in fall 2017, suffered considerable … Read more

Former Columbia Student Khalil Rescued from ICE Detention, Advocates Celebrate Release

NEW YORK — Khalil, a former student at Columbia University, has been released from custody by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) following a prolonged legal battle that raised questions about immigration policies and student rights. Khalil, who had been detained for several months, was apprehended as part of heightened immigration enforcement actions. His case drew significant attention and support from various advocacy groups, including the National Lawyers Guild and the Columbia University Black Students Organization. These groups highlighted the impact of immigration enforcement on students and academic freedom. Lawyers representing Khalil confirmed his … Read more