A response to an article on multiculturalism and the status of community languages in Australia makes a distinction between multilingualism and multiculturalism, and in public policy, between respecting and embracing diverse cultures. Multiculturalism and public attitudes about freedom of speech are also examined. (MSE)

Examines the educational environment in Japan since World War II. Assesses both elementary and secondary levels of education, and evaluates the psychology of dependence as a factor in the lack of freedom of expression in academic settings. Delves into the external and internal structure of Japanese cultural society. (CCM)

Asserts that we need a greater shift toward the personal and an active recognition for interpretation of authentic curriculum texts as art in our teaching practices. Argues that educational authoritarianism can only lead to the eventual and diminishing returns in our schools and institutions. Contains 23 references. (VWC)

Highlights the effects of school autonomy, decentralization, and privatization in the Latin American educational systems focusing on the development of educational policies in Chile and Argentina in order to illustrate the meaning of "freedom" measures in the schools. Provides five conclusions that are relevant for Latin American…

Surveys high school newspaper advisors, finding remarkably similar attitudes, in states with scholastic freedom of press laws and states without such laws, regarding scholastic press freedom, the way they exercise their duty in overseeing the newspaper, censorship and self-censorship, and controversy over newspaper content. Finds differences in…

Examines paparazzi and copyright law, regulation of the Internet, the European Union Database Directive and U.S. efforts to change database laws, Tasini v. The New York Times, freedom of information and access to public sector information, company law and e-mail messages, electronic commerce, cryptography export controls, domain names and trade…

Religious activity in public schools has become a major issue, thanks to the Equal Access Act and "Lamb's Chapel," but neither has eliminated the Establishment Clause as a feasible concern for school officials. Protecting student religious expression to the same extent as other forms of free speech raises legitimate concerns regarding…

Discusses five landmark Supreme Court rulings that continue to affect the daily operations of public schools regarding equality ("Brown v Board of Education"), students' freedom of expression ("Tinker v. De Moines,""Bethel v. Fraser," and "Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier"), and preservation of due process ("Goss…

Threatening student web sites raise complex legal questions for schools. According to "Tinker v. Des Moines (1969), students' First Amendment rights must be abridged to ensure an orderly school environment. Recent litigation, educator rights, American Civil Liberties Union interventions, and legally defensible strategies for schools are…

Discusses the need for preservice teachers to learn to critique and participate in the transformation of educational policies and practices, tracing the theoretical avenues that converge in Media Action Projects (MAPs) and looking at the transformative spaces afforded by MAPs for teaching future educators who can ethically respond to the needs of…

In light of public opinion concerning tenure, academic freedom, and role of college faculty, a new approach is proposed, incorporating these principles: return to concept of tenure as a lifelong contract awarded in the thirties, education of public concerning tenure, and active support for limited teaching contracts to replace tenure awards to…

Describes a teacher's experience as a speaker and representative of the religious right at a school board meeting to resolve conflicts over what is suitable reading material for school children. Reviews her personal involvement in the controversy, the nature of the controversy, and the possibility of dialog between the two sides. (TB)

A roundtable discussion of specialists in copyright law examines issues of intellectual ownership and copyright for online courseware created by college/university faculty. These include faculty as free agents, the need for normative standards concerning conflicts of interest, academic freedom, the possibility that institutions will import…

This article briefly explains the content and characteristics of moral rights, and assesses the most important aspects of legislation in this area. The basic problems of the digital environment with respect to moral rights are discussed, and some suggestions are made for the international harmonization of rules controlling these rights. (Contains…

Provides a lesson appropriate for secondary students focusing on the constitutional amendment process. Explains that students explore historical forces that shaped the U.S. Constitution and also addresses whether current amendment proposals should be considered. Lists the materials needed. (CMK)