A sampling of court cases illustrates situations in which the courts have extended the Reasonable Accommodation Standard into educational programming decisions. Addresses four topics: (1) admission, eligibility for services; (2) provision of supportive services; (3) program standards; and (4) behavioral standards. (59 footnotes) (MLF)

New federal Department of Education guidelines put responsibility for monitoring campus racial climate on individual colleges. The policy statement contains some elements pleasing to minority students and others attractive to civil libertarians. However, its broad definition of harassment is criticized by some. (MSE)

Despite 1992 federal law, most American colleges receiving gifts from foreign corporations, foundations, and nations have not reported them. Institutions cite ignorance of the law. Some gifts apparently were reported but not cited in the Education Department's registry of foreign gifts. Twenty-eight large foreign gifts, grants, and pledges to…

School leaders cannot afford to be bystanders in the campaign to rewrite telecommunications laws and regulations for building the National Information Superhighway. Proposes a coalition representing all public schools to demand recognition in the development of telecommunications policy. (MLF)

A revision in the federal regulations governing audits of student financial aid programs will require changes in present practices concerning student aid "servicers" that administer financial aid in small institutions and may lead to modifications in servicing contracts and financial terms. The new requirements are described in detail. (MSE)

Reviews the two major elements (an employer survey and a hiring audit) of the General Accounting Office (GAO) study of discrimination related to implementation of the Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA). Notes some of the criticisms lodged against each element, and discusses policy implications of the report. (AF)

Responds to the article by Fix and Bean in this issue on the General Accounting Office (GAO) report on discrimination related to provisions of the Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA). Questions interpretation of the GAO report and an Urban Institute-sponsored study. Endorses IRCA and recommends stronger employer sanctions. (AF)

Critics say federal rules for welfare programs have built-in biases against higher education, and financially pinched states also discourage postsecondary education by welfare recipients for political and economic reasons. Issue revolves around use of the Job Opportunities and Basic Skills (JOBS) Training Program. States differ in their approaches…

The objectives and content of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) proposed comprehensive guidelines for conducting audits of tax-exempt organizations are outlined, and feedback received from higher education institutions concerning those guidelines are summarized. Comments reflect institutions' concerns about the IRS' lack of understanding of…

Discusses the following issues: (1) implications of the Americans with Disabilities Act; (2) Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act regulations; (3) new lead guidelines; (4) requirements regarding underground storage tanks; (5) potential indoor air quality requirements; and (6) Occupational Safety and Health Administration guidelines. (MLF)

The work of the National Policy Board on Higher Education Institutional Accreditation, an organization formed to bring together public policymakers, institutions, and others involved in accreditation for reform of the system, is described. Educators are urged to move toward change before the federal government intervenes. (MSE)

Discusses the ways in which families and children with developmental disabilities can attain "full citizenship" with a creed of positive contribution, great expectations, friendships, choices, and strengths. (BB)

Discusses the important age discrimination issues decided by the Supreme Court in "Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio v. Betts." Frames some of the issues expected to be hard fought in post-Betts litigation. Summarizes how pending legislative initiatives would deal with the question of benefits discrimination against older…

The Teachers Insurance and Annuities Association's (TIAA) College Retirement and Equity Fund is criticized for its low returns and its chief executive officer's recent salary raise. It is said to be in need of additional regulation and policyholder involvement. A TIAA vice president responds that the analysis given is inaccurate and misleading.…

School systems are being required to extend transportation services to more severely handicapped children and younger handicapped children. Discusses new legislation and bus driver responsibility and training, and advises administrators to become involved in special education students' individualized education programs. (MLF)