Education News: December 8, 2006

Following are some of the top headlines from the world of education for the week ending December 8, 2006.

Melee Puts Parents, Educators on Guard
(Source: The Washington Post, 12/08/06) On November 10th, during a fire drill, students at Central High School in Capitol Heights became involved in a brawl, leading to the suspension (and possible expulsion) of six students. Educators believe the fight was started between black and Latino students, citing tensions between the two groups. Prince George’s County, with schools that are composed for the most part of black students, has seen a sharp increase in Hispanic students in the last several years. Educators at Central High School in particular are reaching out to parents and the community to curb violence.

Top Court Takes ‘Bong Hits’ Case on Free Speech
(Source: The Chicago Tribune, 12/02/06) A student at Alaska’s Juneau High School will have his free speech case heard in the Supreme Court. The student, suspending in 2002 for displaying a sign reading “Bong Hits 4 Jesus,” argues that the school had no right to punish him for exercising his right to express himself. The school argues that they have a right to fight against the promotion of illegal drugs in school. The school district’s arguments will be presented by Kenneth Star, best known for his role in the Clinton impeachment case.