Colleges and universities are finding it difficult to mold administrative policy concerning freedom of speech on campus. Even when speech or harassment codes mirror federal guidelines for antidiscrimination policy, controversy is common. Potential infringement on rights to free speech is the central issue. (MSE)

This overview of current state legislative issues related to intellectual freedom covers attempts to impose filtering on library Internet access, new "harmful to minors" laws, community obscenity statutes, restrictions on video lending, and more. A sidebar highlights the work of a coalition to defeat a "harmful to minors" law…

Examines the future of biology education in Great Britain and concludes that its aims and focus will need to continue to develop. Makes recommendations for teacher and student control of the curriculum, environmental education, and bioethics. Contains 16 references. (DDR)

Discusses the importance of librarians being advocates for children and fighting for free and open access to printed and electronic information. Discusses Banned Book Week; intellectual freedom; the American Library Association's four main concerns related to the Internet--access, quality, education, and local control; and the importance of…

Argues that First Amendment rights are not possible without the grant of public access to information provided by the doctrine of fair use. Notes that, with digitalization and electronic transfer, many corporate intellectual-property lawyers are pressuring for tightening public access. Argues that educators must understand that the existence of…

An interview with Catharine Stimpson, dean at New York University, focuses on an administrator's perspective on tenure. Suggests that while tenure promotes stability and independence, it can also prevent change. Other issues touched upon include faculty governance, academic freedom, mandatory retirement, and the use of part-time contingent…

A study of attitudes about reviews of children's books found that librarians and teachers wanted stereotypes pointed out because children should have accurate information about other cultures. However, a book reviewer's experience suggests that editors may reject reviewers' objections and advocate for authors' freedom of speech, even when…

Discusses five topics on African Americans that are essential to studying United States History in the years between 1760 and 1830: (1) African Americans in the Revolutionary War ; (2) the rise of free black communities; (3) early abolitionism; (4) the spread of slavery; and (5) black resistance to slavery. (CMK)

Since the mid-1980s, judicial decisions have broadened school authorities' discretion to restrict student expression (in oral and written communications, grooming, and attire). The category of protected student expression has eroded. Despite replacement of the "Tinker" presumption favoring student expression with one favoring validity of…

In a case involving parents' claims that a Louisiana district's uniform policy violated their children's 14th Amendment right to free speech, Fifth Circuit Judge Robert Parker sided with the school board. The board's legitimate interests in regulating student behavior outweighed students' legitimate interests concerning clothing choices. (MLH)

Argues that the Library Bill of Rights aims to codify First Amendment doctrine and the interests of librarians but falls short. Law allows distinctions between government and private action and reaffirms the discretion of decision makers. The Library Bill of Rights, as shown in discussion of several court decisions, is often far more rigid.…

A recent case from Maine shows why public officials must resist the urge to retaliate against employees who voice criticism. Employers must be able to prove they would have made the same adverse personnel decision, documented with detailed and credible explanations for the action, no matter what the employee said. (MLF)

Summarizes a study addressing two common misconceptions on U.S. college campuses: that choice of friendships is random and that minorities are given preferential treatment by faculty and administrators. Survey results (with 144 Caucasians and 69 minority students) showed that teachers often had low expectations of minorities and that socialization…

Considers multiculturalism within the college environment and the collaborating factors that help shape the mood on campus. The author examines what multiculturalism is, discusses its politics, and explores what it demands of the university in terms of equal recognition and how it encroaches on academic freedom. Final comments highlight…

Teachers' rights to engage in religious activities may not be as extensive as students' rights. Students may participate in religious clubs on school premises so long as the school permits other noncurricular, student-initiated clubs to meet during noninstructional time. Courts' confusing forum analysis complicates the picture. (Contains 22…