The philosophical grounds on which the concept of academic freedom has rested traditionally are now regarded by many with skepticism. However, truth is not an absolute, fixed entity, and therefore the need for freedom of inquiry in higher education is as important as ever. (MSE)

Offers a statement on freedom of artistic expression in educational theater by the American Alliance for Theatre and Education. Deals with issues, responsibility, process, strategies for teachers and directors. Offers a bibliography and two sample process forms (describing procedures for challenging materials and procedures for requesting a…

The Supreme Court ruled, in "R.A.V. v. City of St. Paul Minnesota," that the city's Biased-Motivated Crime Ordinance is unconstitutional. Discusses the factual background of "R.A.V.," of "Doe v. University of Michigan," and leading cases in the area of student first amendment rights. Draws conclusions and assesses…

Fitzpatrick provides a brief history of endowed chairs and explains how they preserve academic freedom and nursing's place in scientific inquiry. Carnegie relates her experiences in endowed chairs and describes the chairholder's role as an inspiring presence. (SK)

The impact of Britain's Education Reform Act of 1988, which abolished tenure but attempted to protect academic freedom, is examined, the United States' approach to protection of academic freedom is reviewed, and the contributions of Britain's experience to American protective mechanisms are considered. (MSE)

Presents the keynote address to the 1990 convention of the Speech Communication Association. Illustrates a discussion of the First Amendment and the new majoritarianism by examining three controversies: the flag burning issue, battles over alleged obscenity and government funding of the arts, and incidents of racist, sexist, and homophobic…

Considers the proper relationship between the profession of public relations and the long national commitment to freedom of expression in the United States. Describes how that relationship and its ethical commitment should inform public relations activities. (HB)

Introduces this theme issue on Mario Montessori's writings. Describes how his life experiences contributed to the idea of freedom in education, seen as a recurring theme in his mother, Maria Montessori's writings, and also contributed to the integration of the Montessori perspective. (KB)

The Ninth Circuit Court's decision upholding the Madison School District's policy allowing students to speak (and pray) at graduation ceremonies is correct. So long as students are selected by religiously neutral criteria (class rank) and can speak on any topic, the Free Speech Clause should protect that student's expression. (MLH)

To sustain growth requires changes in the Chinese economy and society. The Asian financial crisis shows that independent institutions and individual freedoms are necessary to stimulate entrepreneurship and innovation. Conservative social values often promoted by the education and training system could hinder economic growth. (SK)

Introduces the issue's Symposium on Academic Freedom and Responsibility. Discusses the current debate on tenure and its role in securing and promoting academic freedom. Proposes a model "Academic Freedom Policy and Procedures," to which subsequent articles in the issue (by Robert M. O'Neil, J. Peter Byrne, and Richard T. De George)…

Agrees that Martin Michaelson's proposal in "Should Untenured as Well as Tenured Faculty Be Guaranteed Academic Freedom? A Few Observations" deserves study as an alternative to the current system of tenure and might be useful because it affords more scrupulous procedures for personnel judgments about new faculty. Asserts that anything…

Asserts that Martin Michaelson's proposal in "Should Untenured as Well as Tenured Faculty Be Guaranteed Academic Freedom? A Few Observations," despite its good intentions, is seriously flawed and if adopted in preference to existing standards will weaken rather than strengthen academic freedom. (EV)

Responds to the articles in the issue's Academic Freedom and Responsibility Symposium by Robert M. O'Neil, J. Peter Byrne, and Richard T. De George, including critiques of the author's proposed "Academic Freedom Policy and Procedures." Concludes that academic freedom can only thrive when it is subject to rigorous analysis by many scholars. (EV)

Discusses Internet access in public libraries, filters, censorship issues, First Amendment rights, and intellectual freedom. Suggests that the Internet is a resource, and that the level of library service is dependent on what it can afford to provide, consistent with its mandate to serve the community's information needs. (Author/LRW)