A recent decision by the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in a case from Arkansas centered on a vicious letter written by an 8th-grade boy about his former girlfriend and turned over to school officials. The court ruled for the school district in expelling the student for the year, without allowing him to attend an alternative school. Argues that…

Arguing that public education is not structured to encourage or respect students' privacy, this article questions several pedagogical approaches; types of assignments (e.g., autobiographical writing); types of computer-assisted instruction and other applications of technology; reference interviewing techniques; and other practices of librarians…

Discusses issues of censorship and intellectual freedom that affect library media specialists and librarians. An annotated list of relevant resource materials is included, and suggestions for further action are given, including examining the library's material selection policy statement and involving students and teachers. (LRW)

In "Mergens," the Supreme Court ruled that the Equal Access Act (EAA) was constitutional and that students at a high school with a "limited open forum" could participate in a prayer club. Traces the history of the case, arguments by the justices, and practical implications of the case for school districts. (66 references) (MLF)

A former student remembers H. Gordon Hullfish's teaching as centering on the learner's ideas and values. Hullfish believed that the purpose of the classroom was to increase the opportunity for young people to participate in reflective activities. He felt that education should transform the social order. (SM)

Describes the characteristics of two distinct Native American news environments: urban Indian populations, and reservations and Alaskan villages. Discusses the extension of the right of free press to tribal lands, and the financing of Indian newspapers, magazines, radio, and television. (SV)

Angered by admissions and financial aid policies that they say unfairly favor minority students, undergraduates on some campuses are forming White-student unions. Only Temple University and the University of Florida have recognized the White unions. This comes at a time when campuses are trying to encourage racial interaction. (MLW)

Examines the distinctions between protected free speech and discriminatory verbal harassment on college campuses. Cites numerous campus policies and recent Supreme Court decisions. Discusses a proposed guideline based on the direct use of "fighting words" to insult or stigmatize an individual. (FMW)

In a unanimous ruling, the Supreme Court is requiring the University of Pennsylvania to give faculty peer-review documents to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission for its investigation into a sex discrimination case. Academics fear infringement of academic freedom and privacy. (MSE)

The texts of the Supreme Court's syllabus and unanimous opinion in the University of Pennsylvania vs. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission is presented. The case involves release of peer-review records in a faculty sex discrimination suit. (MSE)

Exploration of major causes underlying the growing amount of classified national security information examines both recent and perennial tendencies. The consequences of this growth for public access, constitutional checks and balances, and changes in the classification system and product are assessed, and corrective measures available to Congress…

Describes the methods used by the Thatcher government to control publication of government information by the press and the recent attempt to prevent the publication of "Spycatcher" by former MI5 agent Peter Wright. The futility of government censorship and the need for guaranteed freedom of the press are also discussed. (113 notes with…

Argues that the U.S. government suppression of tobacco advertising is inconsistent with the First Amendment. Cites court decisions declaring that truthful commercial speech concerning lawful activity can be suppressed only if restraint directly advances a substantial government interest. Concludes that Congress should repeal prohibition on…

Presents arguments against Bruce Fein's article, "First Amendment Protects Tobacco Advertising." Claims Fein misconstrues the nature and purpose of tobacco advertising, that he confuses governmental paternalism with efforts to protect public health, and that he misreads the extent to which the Supreme Court protects commercial speech…

Examines the issue of censorship in relation to college newspapers and the result of a survey sent to 340 student newspaper editors. Describes the standoff between college administrations and college newspapers, listing the objections given by administrative officials. (PA)