The academic profession in Hong Kong wrestles with preserving academic freedom and institutional autonomy during retrocession to Chinese sovereignty, while also dealing with issues related to rapid expansion and increasing student diversity, increased pressure to improve standards of research and teaching, and devolution of responsibility for…

Draws on international survey data to compare U.S. and Japanese faculty opinions concerning the location of university governance authority, faculty influence on governance and decision making, academic freedom, and governmental interference in higher education and academic affairs. Also discusses faculty tenure, job satisfaction, and orientation…

In the next century, universities must remain or become the forums for reflection. Major aims are to achieve true democratization, promote access to higher education, and preserve and strengthen quality. The university must continue to adapt to and introduce change as it has in its long history, but without neglecting all the elements that make it…

In Thailand, university autonomy has varied over time and by institution type. Because of their history, universities and faculty are respected and accorded much freedom, and also depended upon as sources of information and opinion aimed at achieving balance and social justice. In a May 1992 national crisis, universities combined voices…

The Public Library Association's 1995 survey reported that while public librarians overwhelmingly support intellectual freedom, not all of them are absolutists. Librarians do take community censorship requests seriously and engage in practical self-censorship. Other topics include censorship demographics, the role of the library board, and…

A study of political, behavioral, and institutional differences between Canada and the United States is seen as offering an explanation of the considerable differences in higher education in the two countries. Focus is on priority given to education, incidence of public and private institutions, innovation, accreditation, and academic freedom.…

Discusses the "Board of Education of the Westside Community Schools v Mergens" case that was recently decided by the U.S. Supreme Court. The Court stated that refusal to allow the student Bible club to meet on school property violated the federal Equal Access Act. Presents the constitutional issues raised and the case's significance.…

Discusses the positive and negative points concerning the increase of information transmission. Contends that the diffusion of information technology could increase the quality and quantity of political participation in society. Emphasizes the implications for social studies education. (GG)

"Sunshine laws," which stipulate when records and meetings of state agencies must be made public, have prompted legal battles as newspapers and public-interest groups demand access to the records of public colleges. Intensifying debates in Arizona and South Carolina are described. (MLW)

The trend toward a "politically correct" college curriculum and instructional materials is criticized as contradicting the principle of academic freedom, an essential principle of higher education. It is argued that appropriate exposure to controversial ideas is a crucial element in the student's intellectual development and the creation…

A discussion of hate speech and freedom of speech on college campuses examines the difference between hate speech from normal, objectionable interpersonal comments and looks at Supreme Court decisions on the limits of student free speech. Two cases specifically concerning regulation of hate speech on campus are considered: Chaplinsky v. New…

It is argued that the relationship of South Africa's liberal universities and the state from 1948-90 was characterized not only by conflict, but also by considerable cooperation, by which all races benefited. The complexity of the relationship and some of the issues, such as apartheid, academic freedom, and censorship are examined. (MSE)

The president of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (Texas) is the latest in a series Baptist seminary presidents to be fired or resign after conflict with conservative trustees. Critics are concerned about implications for academic freedom; donors are withholding gifts; and an accrediting agency has questioned the firing. (MSE)

Discusses issues relating to the public interest regarding the National Information Infrastructure. Topics addressed include access, including access to the physical infrastructure and resources and access as a service provider; information rights, including privacy, intellectual property, freedom of speech, and government information; public…

Examined the conceptions of freedom of speech and religion held by 48 adolescents and young adults, using a structured interview containing assessments of civil liberties in general, in straightforward applications, and in conflict with other social and moral concerns. Findings indicate that sophisticated conceptions of civil liberties emerge by…