A federal judge has affirmed the legality of a scholarship program for black students at the University of Maryland at College Park, based on evidence of present effects of past discrimination provided by the university itself. (MSE)

Two middle-school students unsuccessfully challenged a Phoenix school's mandatory school uniform policy. The attorney representing the district interpreted the appellate court's decision as providing assurance for public schools that such policies are constitutional, provided they are content-neutral, not aimed at suppressing any particular…

Although the law pertaining to tenure denial based on scholarship and teaching is well settled, legal issues governing faculty dismissal due to declining college enrollments are unsettled. This paper reviews tenure cases and explores tenure denial based on institutional need, anticipating development of a separate body of law. (72 references) (MLH)

Explores historical perspectives on technology and the current state of the art in technology as it relates to community and group work. Explores possible applications and limitations of technology for information dissemination, skill development, support, counseling, and therapy. Outlines arguments in the debate on the inclusion of technology in…

The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) infractions-appeals committee has eased some penalties imposed by the association on colleges and universities for rules infractions, and the infractions committee itself has expanded institutions' due-process rights by allowing institutions more time to answer charges. (MSE)

Describes an assignment in a corporate-communications class in which students examine the design and the language of their apartment leases. Discusses how this assignment teaches students about the Plain English laws and the need for plain English in leases and in ethics. (SR)

Reports results of a national survey finding that communications law educators largely agree that the body of law they teach has grown so much that they have had to change how they teach the subject, fitting new material into the course. Notes that communications-law educators continue to emphasize a legal topics agenda oriented toward the…

Reports on three workshops offering copyright education for library and computer services staff and administrators. Topics covered included: copyright (e.g., the Copyright Act of 1976 and classroom teaching); digital distance education issues (application of fair use to on-line teaching); and compliance (under the Digital Millennium Copyright…

Analyzes the various determinants that influence international faculty mobility. Finds that faculty of higher rank, those having technical backgrounds, senior faculty, and men travel more frequently than others. Discusses legal obstacles to international faculty mobility, reviews recent social and legal developments, and formulates recommendations…

Discusses key provisions of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, which protects the confidentiality of student records. Describes 10 errors school personnel may commit in handling student confidentiality records which can invite legal challenges and prove costly from a legal standpoint. (SR)

Surveys ways in which criminal laws are finding their way into cyberspace, the implications of such actions for communicative rights and liabilities, and the media differentials of crime and punishment. Examines crime committed using email and the Internet; computer mediated felonies, misdemeanors, and violations committed in cyberspace; forgery;…

Referring to Iowa contract law, reviews ethical and legal aspects of overseas employment contracts signed by educators at recruitment fairs. Iowa Department of Education guidelines state the following aspects of a good contract: it is in writing; it states the salary, pay periods, benefits, and dates of employment; it lists special conditions and…

University administrators are challenged to develop policies that protect the educational atmosphere for marginalized groups while also protecting freedom of speech. The appropriate administrative response to outrageous or hateful speech on campus may be constructive speech and action, not discipline of speakers. This article summarizes relevant…

Over several decades, the field of higher education law has evolved from an informal "interest" to a complex and sophisticated legal specialty. Specific trouble spots for college and university attorneys can be anticipated, with written policies establishing channels of communication concerning conflict resolution, who can seek legal advice, and…

Suggests that, with the increasing sophistication and complexity of Web sites, and the prospect of serious business being done through them, a review of the legal aspects of the site should be an integral part of the site design process. Reliance on content, disclaimers, and liability are discussed. (Author/LRW)