The state legislature’s 2013 repeal of teacher tenure has been ruled unconstitutional by the state Supreme Court.

“Today is a win for educators, public schools, and most importantly students,” teachers association President Rodney Ellis told the News and Observer.

The legislature had revoked career status for teachers who had been able to earn tenure after getting approval from their local Board of Education.

The court ruled unanimously that the repeal voided the contracts clause of the U.S. Constitution.

The lawsuit also claimed the repeal was illegal taking of property, but the court did not hear that argument because of the initial ruling.

“The Court has heard the voices of teachers that North Carolina should honor its commitment of basic employment rights,” Ellis said. “We are glad the Court recognized the General Assembly’s attempt to strip away rights from teachers as unconstitutional.”

Related Stories
‹
U.S. Supreme Court Declines UNC Case on Sexual Assault Records
On Monday, the United States Supreme Court has ended a years-long legal battle, ensuring that UNC must turn over records of sexual misconduct to the public. In 2016, four news organizations — The Daily Tar Heel, The Charlotte Observer, The Herald-Sun of Durham and WRAL’s Capitol Broadcasting — filed a suit after UNC refused public records requests for the […]
N.C. Chief Justice Race Still Tight as Counties Finish Count
Candidates in North Carolina’s still-undecided races for Supreme Court chief justice and attorney general on Monday awaited final official results from several counties
NC Judges Discussing School Justice Partnerships, Drug Recovery Courts
Chief District Court Judges across the state of North Carolina have been gathering to talk about school justice partnerships and drug recovery courts. “Raise the Age” legislation was recently passed in the state, which requires that cases for young people ages 16 and 17 be handled in juvenile court rather than adult court. State Supreme […]
Common Cause Looking to State Court with Gerrymandering Lawsuit
A nonpartisan watchdog group called Common Cause, the North Carolina Democratic Party and a group of North Carolina voters have filed a lawsuit challenging the state’s legislative maps on the grounds of partisan gerrymandering. The lawsuit, Common Cause V. Lewis, marks the first time a partisan gerrymandering case has been filed with the North Carolina […]
Late Candidacy Could Help Dems Win NC Supreme Court
Another Republican filed to run at the last minute, potentially diluting the GOP vote.
Your Handy Guide To "Retention Elections"
Are they constitutional? And why do they prove Ted Cruz is a waste of space?
›