Legal issues in program discontinuance and resulting lawsuits are considered, including liability to the faculty, students, and other constituencies; freedom of speech; due process; contractual obligations; legal defense; and consideration of program alternatives. A list of related resources is appended. (MSE)

Urges community college division heads to be aware of their legal rights and responsibilities and develop policies guaranteeing students' contractual and constitutional rights. Discusses litigation in academic affairs; the need for well-developed syllabi; course, program, and faculty evaluation; liability for negligence; testing and advising…

Issues in the acceptance or accreditation of church-related law schools that practice religious discrimination in admission or faculty employment practices are discussed, including tuition differentials, codes of conduct, religious favoritism, religious belief requirements, quality of legal education, academic freedom, and professional association…

Argues that the fight against creationism in public schools is essential to the preservation of First Amendment rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution. Discusses how creationists, to avoid religious issues, are presenting the "creation-science" (pseudoscience) issue in terms of academic freedom and censorship. (Author/JN)

Reviews the trend toward increased censorship in the schools and discusses the counselor's role in promoting student development while protecting the rights of students as well as the community. The six articles of this special issue also deal with humanistic education and New Right censorship. (JAC)

Reviews court cases in which parents challenged school practices on religious grounds. Puts particular emphasis on recent attempts to make the curriculum conform to religious views. (Author/JM)

The case for university autonomy, it is suggested, rests on recognition of the importance of a high degree of autonomy if an institution is to provide those services which society needs and wants in quality and quantity. Some basic factors justifying the extension of autonomy to the university are discussed. (MLW)

In a lecture at Navajo Community College in fall 1995, Russell Means discussed freedom and responsibility in our present-day world. He talked about the true nature of education, the difference between knowledge and wisdom, and why Indian peoples must think critically about the educational and government structures constraining them. (Author/TD)

Describes an electronic discussion on three listservs about whether European Americans should teach courses on Native religions; if not, what would result; if so, how to proceed. Responses discuss issues of cultural imperialism and appropriation, academic freedom, cultural property rights and control, qualifications (and disqualifications) for…

Describes the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals' ruling in the case "Ceniceros v. Board of Trustees of the San Diego Unified School District." The case raises the question about the meaning of the 1984 Equal Access Act, specifically, how to interpret "noninstructional time." (LMI)

Provides an instructive overview of the responsibilities of the police and the rights of the citizen concerning criminal investigations. Briefly describes the protections afforded by the fourth, fifth, sixth, eighth, and fourteenth amendments. Includes a learning activity involving a legal analysis of situations. (MJP)

The Supreme Court's interpretation of the Equal Access Act in "Mergens" alters the role of school officials in the recognition and functioning of student groups. The views of the justices are summarized followed by issues that may arise if a school decides against, or in favor of, having a limited open forum. (101 references) (MLF)

Discusses the formulation and findings of a nationwide survey which focused on materials selections concerns of school media centers: (1) whether a materials selection policy exists that is approved by the school board; (2) number of library media specialists; (3) whether library media specialists feel external pressure regarding materials…

Argues that conflicts existing within the professional value system of librarianship have made it difficult for librarians to fulfill their obligation to represent fairly the values and viewpoints of all segments of society. Professional goals and ideals that demonstrate such conflicts are discussed, and possible means to their resolution are…

This report of the Supreme Courts' 1987-88 term is organized by subject matter with summaries of the key cases the court decided, lower court decisions the Court refused to review, and decisions to be reviewed in the 1988-89 term. A list of all cases discussed, including case citations, is included. (MLF)