The Edu Law

Legal Concepts, Cases, and Procedures

Category: Education

IEP vs 504 Plan Legal Differences – Eligibility, Protections, Enforcement IEPs give special education; 504 Plans give accommodations
Feb 4
Education, Law

IEP vs 504 Plan Legal Differences – Eligibility, Protections, Enforcement

An IEP and a 504 Plan are not interchangeable documents. An Individualized Education Program is a legally binding special education plan governed by federal special education law and designed for students whose disabilities require specialized instruction. A 504 Plan is a civil rights accommodation plan governed by disability discrimination law and designed for students who […]

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Can a School Suspend a Student Without Due Process – Rules and Timelines Schools must follow due process before suspending a student
Feb 4
Education, Law

Can a School Suspend a Student Without Due Process – Rules and Timelines

A school generally cannot suspend a student without some form of due process, but the amount of process required depends on the length of the suspension, whether the school is public or private, and the jurisdiction. In U.S. public schools, even short suspensions require minimal due process protections, while long-term suspensions and expulsions require formal […]

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Student Records FERPA Explained – What Parents and Students Can Request FERPA lets students and some parents see and correct school records, but access has limits
Feb 4
Education, Law

Student Records FERPA Explained – What Parents and Students Can Request

The direct answer is this: FERPA gives students and, in some cases, parents the legal right to access, review, and request corrections to education records held by schools, while also strictly limiting who else can see that information without consent. It does not give unlimited access to everything a school creates, and it does not […]

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Title IX Complaint Process Explained – Timelines, Evidence, Outcomes Title IX complaints force schools to investigate sex discrimination and can lead to discipline or remedies
Feb 3
Education, Law

Title IX Complaint Process Explained – Timelines, Evidence, Outcomes

The direct answer is this: the Title IX complaint process is a structured civil rights procedure that allows students, parents, and employees to report sex-based discrimination or harassment, requires schools to follow specific investigation steps and timelines, and can result in remedies, disciplinary actions, or federal enforcement depending on findings. It is not a criminal […]

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Mandatory Reporting Laws for Teachers – Requirements and Penalties Teachers must report suspected child abuse or face legal and career consequences
Feb 3
Education, Law

Mandatory Reporting Laws for Teachers – Requirements and Penalties

The legal reality is straightforward: teachers are required by law to report suspected child abuse or neglect when they have reasonable cause to believe it may be occurring, and failure to do so can result in criminal charges, civil liability, and serious professional consequences. Mandatory reporting is not a guideline, a recommendation, or something that […]

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Bullying and School Liability – When Schools Can Be Sued Schools face legal liability for bullying when they ignore known risks or fail to act and harm results
Feb 2
Education, Law

Bullying and School Liability – When Schools Can Be Sued

Schools can be sued for bullying when they knew or reasonably should have known that bullying was occurring and failed to take appropriate action, or when their own policies, staff actions, or omissions contributed to foreseeable harm. Liability most often arises when bullying leads to physical injury, severe psychological harm, discrimination under federal civil rights […]

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Truancy Laws By State – Penalties, Court Process, Parent Liability
Jan 26
Education, Law

Truancy Laws By State – Penalties, Court Process, Parent Liability

Truancy refers to unexcused absences as defined by state statutes and education codes across the United States. Legal attention toward absenteeism exists to improve academic outcomes and reduce links to juvenile delinquency. Federal involvement increased after the passage of the Every Student Succeeds Act, which encouraged states to track chronic absenteeism and take corrective action […]

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What Age Can You Drop Out of School in Florida? Legal Requirements Explained Florida law requires students to attend school until age 16, and parents must sign a formal intent-to-withdraw form if a student leaves before graduating
Oct 2
Education, Law

What Age Can You Drop Out of School in Florida? Legal Requirements Explained

Compulsory education laws shape how long students are required to stay in school in the United States. Florida has specific rules that allow students to drop out of school earlier than in many other states. At age 16, students may legally withdraw if certain conditions are met. Without further ado, let us discuss it in […]

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Can Teachers Be Sued for Academic Grading? Legal Boundaries in Classrooms In most cases, teachers cannot be personally sued for grading decisions, as courts often defer to educational institutions unless discrimination or rights violations are proven
Sep 30
Education, Law

Can Teachers Be Sued for Academic Grading? Legal Boundaries in Classrooms

Teachers often face questions about their legal liability related to academic grading. Many students wonder if they can sue a teacher for an unfair grade or failure to follow syllabus rules. The legal system generally protects teachers’ professional judgment in grading decisions. Laws and court rulings place the responsibility for resolving grade disputes within the […]

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FERPA: What Schools Can (and Can’t) Share About You In schools rules about sharing information matter most.
Aug 15
Education, Law

FERPA: What Schools Can (and Can’t) Share About You

Privacy in education isn’t just a matter of common sense, but the law. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, better known as FERPA, gives students and parents the legal right to control who sees their school records. And it’s been doing so since 1974. Whether you’re a college student wondering if your parents can […]

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