This study examined the integration of "leisure" into the ideology of Alcoholics Anonymous. Participant-observation and in-depth interviews found parallels between the concept of sobriety in Alcoholics Anonymous and philosophical ideals of leisure both as conditions of freedom from compelled activity and freedom to engage in meaningful…

Colleges must take steps to create tolerant institutions welcoming and allowing equal access to all students: (1) defining terms and delineating appropriate actions; (2) providing information to those willing to learn about prejudice; (3) protecting everyone's academic freedom; (4) improving the physical and cultural campus environment; (5)…

Describes the Amnesty International USA's Urgent Action letter writing program for schoolchildren. Discusses monthly cases, preparation material for parents and teachers, opportunities for classroom discussion, and a sample letter. Suggests that the program can be an action component in social studies, civics, religion, ethics, and English…

Argues that the public's right of access to government publications is increasingly difficult to manage in light of changing technologies and budget constraints, and suggests principles and policies to preserve the traditional right of access. (28 references) (LAE)

A New Jersey school board enacted a policy to broaden students' understanding of their multicultural community's religious heritage. The federal district court upheld the Cherry Hill Township's approach to recognizing religious diversity in public schools. Reviews the policy and the court decision, and explores implications for public schools. (90…

A discussion of academic freedom in legal education looks at the extent to which the professional, as distinguished from the purely academic, functions of law schools challenge traditional assumptions about academic freedom and institutional political neutrality. The issues of institutional diversity and specialization are also addressed. (MSE)

Examines the negative implications of special interest group influence on the selection of textbook content for public school students. Suggests guidelines for altering the textbook adoption process to reduce the domination of public testimony by interest groups. Argues that limiting students to one view is not conducive to critical thinking and…

Reviews eight books that address the issues of democratic governance. Includes a historic look at democratic leadership; a history of multicultural America; and the view that the humanities, as taught in school, have become deeply politicized. Other topics are a historical defense of bilingual education, population changes and educational policy,…

Discusses libraries and democracy, one of three major themes for the 1991 White House Conference on Library and Information Services. The roles of newspapers and journalists are considered and the censorship of textbooks, library materials, art, and movies is discussed. (LRW)

The president of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago discusses the history of and issues in two art exhibits at the institution, one in which a late mayor was depicted in a controversial manner and another in which the United States flag was displayed in an unusual way. (MSE)

The history of the controversy over Southwest Missouri State University's production of "The Normal Heart," a play about acquired immune deficiency syndrome, is chronicled and concern is expressed about the resurgence of bitterness and hatred in the debate over academic freedom, even within the academic community. (MSE)

Reports findings of a 1988 study on intellectual freedom in media centers in Wisconsin. General status information and factors influencing challenge outcomes are discussed. Data on materials selection policy, media specialist characteristics, complaints, and roles of those involved in challenges are presented. The appendix describes the…

The Supreme Court, in an upcoming case "Lee v. Weisman," will rule on whether prayer may be offered out loud at a public school graduation program. Argues that past court decisions have interpreted the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment over the Free Speech Clause of that same amendment. (57 references) (MLF)

Discussion of trends concerning academic freedom compares the limits to academic freedom traditionally rooted in professional ethics and applied by the academic profession with the areas of protection prescribed by courts. It is concluded that even when generous, rulings have not necessarily been in the best interest of the academy. (MSE)

Serves as an introduction to seven articles which focus on the differences between school renewal and school reform and their implications in a democratic society. Embedded in both terms are basic views of the world, human nature, and the way individuals do business. Renewal considers matters of justice, equity, and diversity; reform affirms…