Politics•
DOJ Seeks to Block Portland Schools from Student Data Case
The U.S. Department of Justice is challenging a move by Portland Public Schools to block a federal subpoena for student-athlete data in Maine.
Marcus Thorne
Marcus Thorne is a legal affairs correspondent who covers constitutional law, civil liberties, and their impact on public institutions, with a special focus on the American education system.
25 Articles
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Joined September 2025
Languages
English
Areas of Expertise
Constitutional LawFirst Amendment RightsEducation PolicyCivil Liberties
Latest Articles by Marcus Thorne
Education•
NJ Teacher at Catholic School Put on Leave for Surrogacy
A kindergarten teacher at a New Jersey Catholic school was placed on paid leave after informing officials she is pregnant as a surrogate, citing a potential contract violation.
Education•
UNT Student Faces Threats After Exposing Classmates' Actions
A University of North Texas student reports receiving threats after her video about classmates celebrating a political commentator's assassination went viral.
Politics•
Texas University Restricts Transgender Topics in Classrooms
Angelo State University has instructed faculty to cease all classroom discussions of transgender and nonbinary identities, sparking concerns over academic freedom.
Politics•
Professor Sues University of Arizona Over Firing
A former University of Arizona adjunct professor is suing the institution, alleging he was fired for his off-campus advocacy on parental rights and gender policies.
Education•
Lexington Teacher on Leave Amid Social Media Scrutiny
A teacher in Lexington School District One is on administrative leave over social media posts, highlighting a statewide debate on educator free speech rights.
Politics•
Judge Orders Restoration of $500M to California Universities
A federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to restore over $500 million in research grants to University of California schools, ruling the funds were improperly withdrawn.
Education•
Fired Teacher Assistant Sues School District Over Social Media Post
A former teacher assistant is suing a South Carolina school district, claiming she was unconstitutionally fired for a private Facebook post on gun rights.
Politics•
Judge Orders $500M in UCLA Funding Restored by Government
A federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to restore $500 million in frozen research grants to UCLA, ruling the government likely violated federal law.
Politics•
More Texas School Districts Sued Over Ten Commandments Law
A new lawsuit targets 14 additional Texas school districts over a law requiring the Ten Commandments in classrooms, expanding a legal battle already underway.
Education•
Chicago Schools Defy Federal Order on Student Policies
Chicago Public Schools has rejected a U.S. Department of Education order to end its Black Student Success Plan and transgender student protections, citing state law.
Education•
Former Ball State Employee Sues Over Firing for Facebook Post
A former Ball State University director is suing the school, claiming her First Amendment rights were violated when she was fired for a private Facebook post.
Education•
SC Teacher Aide Sues District Over Firing for Facebook Post
A former teacher aide in Spartanburg County, SC, has filed a federal lawsuit claiming her firing over a personal Facebook post violates her free speech rights.
Education•
UT Professor Faces Firing Over Comment on Charlie Kirk
The University of Tennessee is moving to fire a professor over a social media post, but First Amendment experts say the action may violate her free speech rights.
Education•
Ohio Governor Faces Criticism Over Higher Education Policy
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine faces criticism for urging colleges to boost recruitment after signing a higher education law that opponents say will deter students.
Education•
UF Revokes Professor's Emeritus Status Over Social Media Post
The University of Florida has revoked the emeritus status of a retired law professor after he made a controversial Facebook post wishing for Donald Trump's death.
Education•
Federal Funding Shifts Disrupt University Research and Visas
The U.S. government is withholding billions in research funds and tightening student visa rules, disrupting university operations and stalling critical medical projects.
Education•
Fired Teacher Sues SC District Over Facebook Post
A former Spartanburg County teacher's assistant has filed a federal lawsuit, claiming she was illegally fired over a private Facebook post about Charlie Kirk.
Education•
Cobb County Teachers Face Discipline Over Social Media Posts
Two teachers in Cobb County are no longer employed and others are on leave after social media posts celebrating the murder of activist Charlie Kirk.
Education•
Legacy Admissions Scrutinized Amid Push for Merit-Based College Entry
Critics question the push for merit-based college admissions while legacy preferences, which favor alumni children, persist at nearly 25% of U.S. universities.