Matthew David Keenan School Law Blog

Students are not the only ones who must watch what they do in cyber world.  Parents in danger of a school residency challenge could inadvertently raise red flags about their residency in their school district through an ill-advised Facebook post.... Read More

In Illinois, a child under the age of 17 violates curfew when he or she lingers or stays in a public place or even a private business during curfew hours. Curfew hours are from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and 12:01 a.m. to 6 a.m. Saturday and Sunday mornings.  Violating curfew is a petty offense carrying a fine up to $500, and a judge can order the parent to perform community service.  A parent or guardian can also be charged with a curfew violation if they knowingly... Read More

Parents are well advised to bring an attorney to their school residency hearing upon notice that their child may not be a legitimate resident of the district.  In Illinois, hearing officers are usually hired by the school and have an incentive to keep their real clients happy.  While an attorney does not guarantee a win, the hearing officer may give more serious consideration to a parent represented by counsel.... Read More

Last summer, Illinois passed a new anti-bullying statute which expands the definition of bullying to include harrassment on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.  The new statute also reaches across cyberspace to prohibit bullying by electronic means or through using a school computer or school network.... Read More

Many colleges and universities will not allow a student who is accused of violating the student code to have an attorney.  But there are still ways an attorney can help.... Read More

In Illinois, if you are divorced and have a custody order, your child should be able to attend your school district.  With joint custody, you may have to make an annual election as to which parent's home shall be treated as the child's residence for school purposes.  But some schools might still feel a need to investigate when they think a student really lives in another district.  A qualified attorney can help protect your rights.... Read More

Even though your child may have been involved in an incident at school, you don't feel they should be barred from attending their graduation and/or the prom.  An experienced attorney may be able to help get your student back into graduation.... Read More

An expression of hate speech can result in suspension from your school.  In Illinois, if the hate speech occurred while commiting a crime, you may be subject to added penalties for a hate crime.  It is imperative that you consult an attorney to protect your rights before talking to either your school officials or police.... Read More

More and more colleges and universities are disciplining students for off-campus offenses such as drunk driving, drug use or retail theft.  Even if you are charged with such an offense, you may still be able to fight the school's charges.... Read More

When time gets a little tight, you might find yourself tempted to fabricate or falsify data for a class assignment in college.  If caught, you may then be subject to charges of  academic dishonesty.  Before speaking to a seemingly sympathetic administrator, you should consult an attorney about your options.... Read More