The last several years have seen renewed debate over the role that race plays in higher education--a debate over "affirmative action." The report first considers "affirmative action" in its original sense: the "mandatory" race-conscious measures that the federal courts have imposed on "de jure" segregated…

This article reports that the U.S. Supreme Court is scheduled to hear arguments in December in a case that could make it more difficult for plaintiffs to win sexual-discrimination or sexual-harassment lawsuits against colleges and other educational institutions. The justices will decide whether to uphold a decision of the U.S. Court of Appeals for…

The Ontario and British Columbia courts of appeal have held that the restriction of marriage to heterosexuals is unconstitutional. Opposing views in same-sex marriage litigation arise from different definitions of "marriage." Proposed federal legislation would legalize same-sex marriage but not resolve the larger, underlying issue of how…

This article describes federal and state laws that affect the opportunity of people with low vision to drive and to obtain driver's licenses. Discrimination against individuals with low vision is discussed in the context of equal protection and the Americans with Disabilities Act. A review of relevant case law and implications for drivers with low…

The father of a boy with autism reports on the events and emotions accompanying the presidential signing of Public Law 101-336, the Americans with Disabilities Act. A chart outlines the law's titles (employment, public service, public accommodations, telecommunications, and miscellaneous provisions); effective dates; regulatory deadlines; and…

This report contains the following information in regard to the Women's Educational Equity Act: a brief description of the original legislation and the pending legislation; comments on program development; analysis of applications received and funded in the 1978 fiscal year; analysis of three years of funding; identification of products to be…

This article discusses practical guidance on schools' legal rights and responsibilities with respect to students, programs, and curriculum. Like all other individuals, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) students are guaranteed equal protection under the Fourteenth Amendment to the Constitution and free speech and association under the…

The obligations of colleges and universities under existing laws prohibiting sex discrimination against employees and students are summarized. Principal federal sources of legal obligation regarding employees are the equal protection clause of the Fourteenth Amendment, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Equal Pay Act of 1963, and…

This report contains the following information in regard to the Women's Educational Equity Act: a brief description of the original and reauthorizing legislation, analysis of grant applications received and funded in the 1979 fiscal year, summaries of grant and contract awards for the fiscal year, and identification of products developed under…

This publication provides a summary of relevant federal laws concerning the legal rights and benefits available to persons with disabilities. Relevant laws are divided into general subject areas, including education, employment, health, housing, income maintenance, nutrition, civil rights, social services, transportation, and vocational…

The obligations of colleges and universities under existing laws prohibiting sex discrimination are discussed. Attention is directed to developments in the law relating to sex discrimination against employees and against students in colleges and universities, and practical and cost-efficient strategies for complying with the law. The pertinent…

This report, prepared pursuant to Public Law 98-183 (Child Abuse Amendments of 1984), examines the nature and extent of the practice of withholding medical treatment or nourishment from infants born with disabilities and makes recommendations to remedy deficiencies in existing law. Evidence suggests that decisions to withhold medically indicated…

Provides a concise overview of Canada's many provincial and federal human rights codes. The codes address issues of discrimination and harassment based on race, religion, creed, color, national origin, and/or gender. Discusses the commissions that oversee these codes and gives examples of specific provisions. (MJP)

This paper examines the federal and state constitutional and statutory issues that affect the capacity of governments to raise revenue for education and other children's services, including mandates and key legislation that limit revenues, expenditures, and borrowing. The paper is divided into three major sections: (1) legal issues affecting…

A federally sponsored project explored educational practices, originating in diverse communities, in which teachers used educational technology in innovative ways to meet the needs of children with disabilities. This booklet describes projects at 11 sites around the United States. It presents a model for technology integration, emphasizes the need…