The main factor in determining the seriousness of offensive speech should not be the group that is offended, but whether harassment or discrimination, legally defined, results. Colleges have an obligation to teach students how to analyze the surrounding society and determine how their actions reflect and are reflected in that society. (MSE)

A case in which a business student claimed, in class, that his employer was acting unethically is commented on by a business ethicist, focusing on issues of moral and legal obligation, student confidentiality, and classroom trust faced by the faculty member. The teacher's multiple responsibilities are emphasized. (MSE)

The issue of academic dishonesty, including plagiarism, cheating on tests, and falsification of data by students, is examined. Legal cases are reviewed; the University of Iowa school of social work's policy on academic misconduct is presented; and other avenues of intervention and prevention are discussed. (Author/MSE)

Explores the legal, educational, and ethical significance of sexual harassment of employees in school settings. A review of case law is followed by perspectives of the sexual harassment experience and difficulties (such as lack of reporting) inherent in obtaining justice. Sexual harassment is a pandemic problem (really a power issue) that renders…

Discusses the definition and incidence of sexual harassment, summarizes recent legal activity, probes reasons why misunderstanding exists, offers guidelines to help keep this costly problem from occurring, and cites actual costs of sexual harassment to organizations. Concentrates on what organizations can and must do to keep itself free of…

The first amendment does not either require or permit government to threaten religiously affiliated colleges and universities with reduced eligibility for public funding in the event of increased religious control over institutional governance or academic functions. However, government may decline to fund education at "pervasively sectarian"…

The Tax Reform Act of 1986 and subsequent legislation have radically altered the rules needed to maintain favorable tax status of tax-sheltered annuity plans for college employees. Application of the new rules is complex. Critical questions facing institutions and organizations are answered, and potential liabilities facing educational employers…

Although the 1976 copyright law provides teachers with specific rights and defenses concerning classroom use of copyrighted materials, litigation by publishers has affected college policies. Teachers should be educated concerning assertion of their rights, which will be lost if they are not used. Also, greater protection should be assured by…

It is proposed that, in investigating wrongdoing, the university attorney must determine who has authority to decide the institution's position; when to seek a higher or different authority; and to whom the lawyer may tell what he or she knows. Three hypothetical cases are offered to illustrate these issues. (MSE)

Michigan has long advocated local control of education, a philosophy that particularly applies to purchasing school buses. To counter adverse legal actions stemming from noncompetitive bidding practices, the Michigan School Business Officials and the Michigan Association for Pupil Transportation collaborated to develop a comprehensive,…

Provides an introduction to intellectual-property law relating to composition-classroom practices. Demonstrates that novel communicative technologies have repeatedly prompted expansion of the term of copyright. Suggests that additional extensions of copyright terms are likely unless consumers of intellectual property aggressively assert their…

Most young people who harass and bully sexual minorities are not hate-filled extremists, but ignoramuses. Anti-gay slurs can escalate to violence. A California principal's discussion of Leroy Aarons's "Prayers for Bobby" with staff raised awareness of school safety and the need to value every student. (MLH)

Although most principals and superintendents must be awarded annual or multiyear employment contracts by their school districts, such contracts offer little protection from reassignment to a lesser position or even from dismissal. Inadequate remedies for breach of employment contracts subject school administrators to working solely at their…

Examines issues of institutional autonomy, academic freedom, and theology in the intellectual life of the Catholic university in the context of "Ex Corde Ecclesiae," the Papal constitution on higher education. Concludes that the church's mandate need not be problematic for American Catholic colleges and universities. (Author/MSE)

Examines the legal and ethical issues that can arise when school administrators give references to prospective employers. Reviews common law and statutory protections that shield administrators from lawsuits based on references they give, and provides specific suggestions to minimize legal complications related to references. (SLD)