FBI: Noblesville 13-year-old youngest active shooter in 2018
A just-released FBI report says a 13-year-old boy who opened fire in a suburban Indianapolis classroom was the youngest suspect in 27 active shooter incidents in the U.S. last year.
School and Education Law
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COA hears arguments in teacher defamation suit against Elkhart newspaper
An Indiana Court of Appeals panel was asked to consider whether a reporter’s use of the word “incompetent” to describe a former Elkhart teacher’s termination was defamatory language – and ultimately whether a newspaper had the right to publish a story using the contested word.
Indiana lawmakers back away from mandating citizenship test
State lawmakers have put the brakes on a measure that would have required Indiana students to pass the U.S. citizenship test to earn a high school diploma.
‘Full House’ star to surrender in college admissions scandal
Fallout from a sweeping college admissions scandal swiftly spread Wednesday, with a Silicon Valley hedge fund replacing its leader and “Full House” actress Lori Loughlin expected to surrender and appear in court in Los Angeles.
Indiana House passes $34.6B budget along party lines
The Indiana House on Monday passed a $34.6 billion two-year budget along party lines. The budget includes an increase of more than $550 million over two years for the Indiana Department of Child Services.
Indiana Senate backs tougher law on passing stopped buses
Indiana drivers could face tougher penalties for passing stopped school buses under a bill advancing in the Legislature.
Gun training for teachers among Indiana GOP firearms bills
Indiana school districts would be able to seek state money to provide gun training for teachers under a bill endorsed by a legislative committee.
Indiana superintendent criticized for letter seeking prayers
A southern Indiana school superintendent’s letter asking local churches to pray for the district has led to criticism that he may have overstepped the boundary between church and state.
IU student accused of sex misconduct denied injunction
A male student accused of sexual misconduct was denied a preliminary injunction to prevent Indiana University Bloomington from suspending him as a sanction from what he called a “fundamentally unfair disciplinary process.”
Noblesville school shooter’s parents deny responsibility
The parents of a 13-year-old boy who opened fire in a Noblesville West Middle School classroom last year say they could not foresee his actions and deny any responsibility for them.
Student’s suit against Butler in sex misconduct case voluntarily dismissed
The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals granted a motion to dismiss a case against Butler University brought by a male student who claimed he was falsely accused of sexual misconduct and expelled from the school as a result.
Elwood schools chief used own insurance for sick student
A Madison County school superintendent is free on bail after surrendering to police to face charges alleging she used her insurance to help a sick student receive treatment.
Panel backs moving up appointment of Indiana schools chief
Indiana voters wouldn’t decide anymore who serves as the state schools superintendent under a proposal being pushed by legislative Republicans.
Indiana school shooting might prompt juvenile law change
Indiana law might be changed so that children as young as 12 could face attempted murder charges in adult court in a move prompted by a suburban Indianapolis school shooting.
Suit blames sorority in death of college athlete from Indiana
The mother of a player from Indiana on the Northwestern University women’s basketball team who died in 2017 has sued a sorority claiming hazing by its members led to her daughter's suicide.
Indiana mom backing tougher bus law after children’s deaths
The mother of three children struck and killed while crossing a northern Indiana highway to board their school bus supports legislation for tougher penalties against drivers who pass buses with extended stop arms.
DCS, schools seeking more funds in 2019 legislative session
Among the biggest issues the 2019 General Assembly will have to contend with is the Department of Child Services, which is still reeling after a tumultuous year that saw a leader abruptly resign and a national group identify several shortcomings in the department’s operations. Gov. Eric Holcomb is calling on lawmakers to devote significant financial resources to the struggling department, and all four legislative leaders say their caucuses plan to make DCS a top priority.
Wrongful death suit reinstated in IPS student’s murder
The Indiana Court of Appeals reinstated a wrongful death lawsuit against Indianapolis Public Schools when it found genuine issues of material fact as to Arlington Community High School’s duty to supervise its students after a teen’s murder nearby.
Female Gary principal loses sex discrimination appeal
The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed the grant of summary judgment to northern Indiana school corporation when it found a female principal was not discriminated against based on her sex when a male candidate got the job she applied for.
Parents of girl shot at Noblesville school sue gunman’s parents
The parents of a 13-year-old girl who was shot seven times by a classmate at a suburban Indianapolis school are suing the young assailant’s parents.