Latest news with #schooladministration
Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Noblesville school didn't violate anti-abortion student's rights, court finds
The Seventh Circuit court has upheld that Noblesville High School leaders did not violate a student's rights when they suspended her anti-abortion rights club for not following school policy. In 2022, a student and her parents sued the district, claiming a dispute over posting flyers violated their daughter's First Amendment and Equal Access Act rights. They argue that the decision to veto her flyers and suspend the club was "driven by hostility to her pro-life views." The school maintained it was not discriminating against her beliefs and was instead upholding its policy that student clubs' wall postings remain content-neutral. "The record shows that school officials approved (the student's) club, reasonably accommodated her speech, and suspended the club only for neutral, conduct-related reasons," Judge Nancy Maldonado wrote in the Aug. 14 ruling. Marnie Cooke, a spokesperson for Noblesville Schools, said in a statement that the district was appreciative of the ruling. She said the school supports their students in "forming clubs they're passionate about," which span "a wide range of a wide range of interests, activities, and beliefs." Jordan Butler, a spokesperson for Students for Life of America, was critical of the court decision in a statement, saying it "undermines the First Amendment — an amendment that protects all speech, including pro-life voices." 'I Am the Pro-Life Generation' In 2021, a student gained permission to start a chapter of Students for Life of America at Noblesville High School. The goal of the group's campus clubs is to "change minds of their peers" and advocate for public policy, according to the national organization's website. To advertise the first meeting, the student submitted flyers to school officials for approval. She pulled them from a template the national organization dispersed, which includes blanks to fill in with meeting details and photos of students holding signs saying 'Defund Planned Parenthood' and 'I Am the Pro-Life Generation." According to court filings, school administrators repeatedly told the student to revise the flyer to solely include meeting information. They asked her to omit the photos to comply with the school's content-neutral rule for wall postings. After the student's mother, Lisa Duell, met with leaders to urge the flyer's approval, the school became concerned the club was not entirely student-run, according to court documents. Principal Craig McCaffrey then suspended the chapter as an approved student club after an "attempt at insubordination led by an outside adult advocating with the student.' He said the student could reapply in January 2022. She did, and the club was reinstated. The school and the student reached an agreement to allow the club to continue operating while the lawsuit moved through the courts. Judges: No First Amendment violation In March 2024, Judge Sarah Evans Barker of the Southern District of Indiana ruled in favor of the school district, saying there was no constitutional injury as a result of a policy or decision. Students for Life previously alleged that Barker had a bias in favor of abortion rights in a failed attempt to have her removed from the case. President Ronald Reagan appointed Barker. After the case was appealed to the Seventh District, Judges Frank Easterbrook, Candace Jackson-Akiwumi and Maldonado heard arguments in October 2024. Easterbrook was appointed by Reagan, and the latter two by Joe Biden. In the court's Aug. 14 ruling, they agreed with Barker, writing that the policy and its enforcement do not violate the First Amendment. Schools generally can limit speech that could be construed as their own, which the court said includes the limited public forum that is its walls. It also found that, based on the handling of other political student clubs, the school did not treat the student's club any differently. "The District could reasonably conclude that covering its walls with warring political messages would undermine that order and divert attention from the business of learning," Maldonado wrote. "It passes constitutional muster." The USA TODAY Network - Indiana's coverage of First Amendment issues is funded through a collaboration between the Freedom Forum and Journalism Funding Partners. Have a story to tell? Reach Cate Charron by email at ccharron@ on X at @CateCharron or Signal at @ This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Noblesville High didn't violate anti-abortion student's rights: Court Solve the daily Crossword
Globe and Mail
6 days ago
- General
- Globe and Mail
Inspiration Academy Welcomes Robin Evans as New School Administrator for 2025/2026
Bradenton, FL - Inspiration Academy (IA) is proud to announce the appointment of Robin Evans as its new School Administrator for the 2025-2026 academic year. With almost three decades of experience in education, Evans brings a passion and vision that aligns with IA's mission and community-centered values. Evans, who holds degrees in Social Science Education and a Master's in Education, has been with Inspiration Academy since 2014. She joined as the Head of Curriculum and taught history, and has held several roles over the past 11 years. Now entering her 30th year in education, her credentials and experience reflect her dedication to excellence in both teaching and administration. 'Robin understands the heart of IA,' said Head of School and Co-Founder Eddie Speir. 'God has equipped her beautifully to serve in this capacity. Nobody is better suited to take on this position.' Background and Vision Evans' background in homeschooling has given her a distinctive perspective that makes her an ideal leader at IA. Her experience has taught her the importance of recognizing different learning styles and identifying students' strengths and opportunities for growth to tailor her support and help each student grow. Her leadership style is characterized by empathy, attentiveness, and a keen interest in each student's journey. As School Administrator, Evans will focus on some key objectives that reflect her personal values and the school's broader mission. Her goals are to: Maintain a warm and welcoming environment where all students and families feel supported. Ensure that every student thrives in every area of their development: academically, spiritually, and athletically. Launch and grow IA's elementary school division. With this expansion, IA can provide a comprehensive curriculum for all grades from K to 12 starting this fall. This marks an exciting milestone in the school's development and allows it to offer a fully integrated academic journey under one unified mission. Building a Community For Evans, IA is not simply a place of employment. She is passionate about building a vibrant community, and one of her ongoing goals is to ensure that robust support mechanisms are in place to nurture individual students and the broader student body. Evans' vision for the school includes increasing outreach efforts to ensure that more parents and families understand the full range of offerings available at IA. In addition to serving students in grades K–12, these include: A wide range of sports opportunities, including baseball, softball, tennis, and golf academies. A Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) program to encourage students to express their creativity and develop a deep understanding of various artistic disciplines. Dual enrollment coursework for eligible students, allowing them to earn both high school and college or vocational credits simultaneously. Mentorship programs that guide students in their academic growth and spiritual development. A unique approach to honors programs that cultivates academic excellence, character, leadership, and a strong work ethic. Inspiration Academy has always been committed to developing students both inside and outside the classroom. The appointment of Evans as School Administrator reaffirms that mission and reflects the school's dedication to nurturing academic, spiritual, and personal growth. About Inspiration Academy Inspiration Academy is a private Christian school for grades K–12 serving the Bradenton and Manatee County areas. They combine a rigorous academic education with faith-based instruction and a strong focus on personalized mentorship. They aim to develop students academically, socially, and spiritually and help them grow into thoughtful, well-rounded individuals. For more information, visit or contact us at (941) 795-5466 or info@
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Yahoo
Spotsylvania County middle schooler allegedly sexually assaulted by another student
The Brief A middle school student says she was sexually assaulted by a classmate at school. The Spotsylvania County Sheriff's Office and school officials say they are investigating the incident. FOX 5 spoke with the 15-year-old girl and her older sister about the alleged assault. SPOTSYLVANIA COUNTY, Va. - The Spotsylvania County Sheriff's Office is investigating an alleged sexual assault that happened at Post Oak Middle School two days ago. Response From School What we know The alleged victim's father says the school didn't notify parents about the incident, only sending a letter home after FOX 5 started asking questions on Wednesday. In the letter, the principal of Post Oak Middle said, in part, "The school is aware of the allegations of misconduct between two students." The principal also says the school administration immediately began an investigation and contacted the Spostylvania County Sheriff's Office. Alleged Incident at School What We're Told FOX 5 spoke to the 15-year-old girl who reported the incident. We are not identifying either student due to their ages. She says around 2:30 p.m. on Monday, she and a 12-year-old boy walked into a classroom and she claims the boy kissed her, groped her and shoved his hands in her pants. She says she told him to stop but he then pulled his pants down, exposing himself. The teen went home and told her parents, who are out of town, and her 21-year-old sister, who was at home, about what allegedly happened. FOX 5 also spoke with the teen's older sister. She says her sibling is traumatized. "[She's] still, through the roof with anxiety but we're all here to support her," her sister said. "We want justice for my sister. My sister even wants justice for this. She wants him in jail. She really does." Officials Investigating What they're saying In a written statement, Spostylvania County Public School officials say, "This is an ongoing investigation being conducted in cooperation with the Sheriff's Office, our safety and security team, and all parties involved with this allegation." It's not yet known if the accused student will face any disciplinary action by the school. The Sheriff's Office is continuing to investigate.
