| School Dress Codes and the Free Exercise of Religion |
| |
| Because public school districts and public boards of education must comply with the provisions of the United States Constitution, they generally cannot infringe upon the free exercise of religion. Although the Court has ruled that public schools must offer equal opportunity and protection to both religious expression and non-religious expression, courts tend not to hold that school dress codes are unconstitutional. Generally, students cannot claim they are exempt from school dress codes or rules that are religiously neutral and generally applicable to all students. Public schools cannot, however, single out religious attire or religious garb.
More... |
| |
| Transgender and Gender Identity Discrimination |
| |
| Gender identity discrimination is less favorable treatment or harassment of a person who does not conform to traditional gender norms. As an example, an employee who appears to co-workers to be male but uses female mannerisms or wishes to be called by a woman's name may be subjected to repeated hostile actions and comments by his co-workers. Gender identity discrimination should not be confused with sex discrimination or gender discrimination, which is the unfair or unequal treatment of a person because of his or her sex. A number of federal and local laws make sex discrimination illegal. There are no federal laws or regulations prohibiting discrimination based on a person's gender identity.
More... |
| |
| The Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act of 1990 |
| |
| In an effort to protect Native American burial sites and the removal of human remains and sacred objects, Congress passed the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act of 1990 (NAGPRA). Also enacted to make amends for years of archeological plunder and the disruption of burial grounds, NAGPRA is further intended to protect the removal of funerary objects and objects of "cultural patrimony" on federal, Indian, and Native Hawaiian lands. More... |
| |
| Disparate Treatment in School Activities and Services |
| |
| "Disparate treatment" is the different or unequal treatment of individuals due to their membership in a protected class, such as individuals with disabilities, older workers, females, and people who were born outside of the United States. Pursuant to Executive Order 13160, a disabled individual who is involved in in a "federally conducted" education and training program must be treated equally and not be subjected to disparate treatment.
More... |
| |
| The Medical Use of Marijuana |
| |
| Currently, 11 states have passed laws permitting the use of "medical marijuana" by chronically ill patients whose doctors recommend they do so to help alleviate pain. In 2001, the United States Supreme Court unanimously ruled that there was no "medical necessity" exception to a federal law prohibiting the production and distribution of marijuana. The case arose as a result of the federal government's opposition to a California law. The Supreme Court has heard arguments on whether the Commerce Clause of the United States Constitution gives states the power to regulate the medicinal use of marijuana.
More... |
| |
