A 1993 conference of college faculty senate members is discussed, focusing on common difficulties in governance during a period of retrenchment and due to the faculty culture. Some recent research into the relationship of finances to academic freedom and tenure is examined. Strategies for enhancing faculty senate effectiveness are suggested. (MSE)

In Smith vs. Regents of the University of California, the California Supreme Court established new constitutional limitations on use of mandatory student fees. This article examines the Court's restriction of use of funds for ideological or controversial extracurricular programs and concludes that the distinction between educational and political…

Outlines current federal Department of Education guidance to public school administrators and teachers on the extent to which religious expression and activities are permitted on school grounds and in the classroom. (ET)

A survey of the 20 largest public universities in the United States revealed that only half of the institutions had policies that addressed hostile or harassing speech or conduct. It also found that 8 of these 10 university regulations may violate constitutional principles regarding the regulation of student speech. (Author/MDM)

Reviews theory and research on the relationship between classroom climate and citizenship outcomes in elementary settings. Compares democratic learning environments described by three studies. Suggests that free expression, peer interaction in cooperative activities, respect for diverse viewpoints, and student participation in decision making…

Suggests that the constitution or structure of schools should be democratic to foster democracy. Discusses the value of parents' voices in decision making, but warns of the tendency toward bureaucracy. Argues that structural indexes must be formulated so that they can be transformed into instructional processes by a coupling of…

Whether law schools should remain institutionally neutral concerning fundamental political and moral issues facing society is examined. The discussion looks at the purposes of the university in the modern world, the core of knowledge needing preservation, areas of inquiry no longer valid, new priorities for inquiry, and faculty role. (MSE)

The potential for conflict between two roles of the law professor, as teacher/scholar and as paid consultant to clients, is examined. Concern is expressed that strongly held views sometimes as a consequence of an advocacy role may distort the scholarly role, compromising academic freedom. (MSE)

This article examines the issue of "political correctness" on U.S. campuses and suggests that much of the controversy is a creation of the press, has little factual basis, and may be partially a reaction by the press establishment to increased numbers of women and minorities in journalism. (DB)

Presents a history lesson based on the deed of presentation for the Statue of Liberty. Discusses the conception and history of the statue and its presentation to the United States as a gift from the people of France. Includes a copy of the document, topics for class discussion, and research, writing, and design activities. (DK)

Public schools and school boards are under attack from the religious right. Cites the strategies of some of these organizations, including quotes from Robert Simonds, the leader of Citizens for Excellence in Education. Advises school boards to have explicit policies on the selection of textbooks and academic freedom; to involve parents; and to…

Discusses community involvement in public library planning and decision making and the role library leadership must have to ensure financial feasibility and the protection of intellectual freedom. An open letter to Madonna concerning her book, "Sex," provides an example of leadership and successful public relations. (EA)

Follows development of Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Finds the agency monitored dissident activities and investigated outside its defined jurisdiction with presidential support. States J. Edgar Hoover expanded the FBI's information-gathering procedures beyond legal boundaries resulting in a powerful, autonomous agency that poisoned U.S.…

To achieve its intellectual and social purpose, a university needs autonomy and freedom. The dangers of large scale and uncritical acceptance of industrial funds can lead to a value shift within universities with the result that technology generation would become a prime aim. (Author/MLW)

Analyzes nature and effects of public-management evaluation concepts on institutions of higher education, using as an example Tennessee's policy of monitoring performance of its institutions by linking performance indicators to public funding. Concludes that while policy has been successful overall, allowing a "firewall" between…