Lawrence v. Texas: Does This Mean Increased Privacy Rights for Gay and Lesbian Teacher?

Authors

Suzanne Eckes, Indiana University - BloomingtonFollow
Martha McCarthy, Indiana University - BloomingtonFollow

Date of this Version

4-2004

Document Type

Article

Citation

Journol of Women in Educational Leadership, Vol. 2, No.2-April 2004 ISSN: 1541-6224

Comments

©2004 Pro>Active Publications

Abstract

This article addresses the Supreme Court's 2003 decision in Lawrence v. Texas and its implications for the rights of gay and lesbian public school teachers. The authors provide a context by reviewing the teacher role-model theory, traditional standards used in dismissals for immoral conduct, and pre-Lawrence cases regarding public employees' privacy rights. Then they analyze Lawrence v. Texas, which struck down a Texas law imposing criminal penalties for persons of the same sex engaging in certain sexual conduct. The final section explores implications of the expanded liberty right announced in Lawrence for public school teachers and their lifestyle choices.