In Bellamy v. Masons's Stores, Inc., the Fourth Circuit of Appeals held that section 1985 (3) of the Ku Klux Klan Act displayed a congressional intent that state action be required for an action based on a conspiracy to deprive first amendment rights. The decision is examined in regard to Griffin v. Breckenridge. For journal availability see HE…

The enactment of Title VII erected a massive administrative system designed to investigate, prevent, and eliminate employment discrimination. However, the EEOC, even with increased enforcement powers, has been unable to handle its overwhelming caseload. A private right of action for interim relief is discussed. For journal availability see HE 508…

Seniority layoff cases before the courts have results from the court's attempts to harmonize two equally important national policies: seniority protection and equal opportunity. Types of seniority are discussed in relation to Title VII and layoff problems. Available from: University of Akron, School of Law, Akron, Ohio 44325. (LBH)

Charles F. Feeney has given over $600 million to colleges and universities over 13 years through two obscure foundations, a secret kept for a decade by a small group of people. The foundations, wealthier and more public than previously because of a pending lawsuit, plan to continue existing policies, but take no new grant applications and announce…

Since federal law prohibits school systems from releasing disciplinary information contained in a student's school record, administrators are often vilified and left defenseless against angry charges lobbed by students and parents. A North Carolina district leveled the playing field by asking disgruntled parents to sign a waiver allowing school…

Increasingly, colleges and universities are using debt financing to respond quickly to new needs and for capital initiatives that will produce long-term benefits. The borrowing process is complex and subject to a variety of government tax regulations and legal limits. Recommends that both small and large institutions work with an experienced…

The National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) supports the position that evolution is a major unifying concept in science and should be included as part of K-college science frameworks and curricula. Includes recommendations and information on the nature of science, scientific theories, evolution as a unifying concept, creationism, and legal…

A survey of exclusionary discipline practices with handicapped students revealed a national pattern of "de facto" differential treatment. In denying a school's unilateral authority to remove dangerous or disruptive students, the Supreme Court's judgment in "Honig v. Doe" (1988) took precedence over all earlier court decisions.…

Practical and policy questions concerning intellectual property are considered in the context of advancing information technology and expanding international exchange of ideas, and specifically as they are or need to be addressed by Australian copyright and patent law. A 1995 discussion paper by the Australian Vice-Chancellors' Committee is…

A survey of literature since 1990 on minority languages and language rights focuses on five issues: definition of minorities; individual vs. collective rights; legal bases for minority linguistic rights; applications and interpretations of minority language rights; and assessments of the impact of minority rights legislation. A nine-item annotated…

A federal appeals court decision ruled in favor of three publishers who had sued the owner of a small copy-shop business for copyright infringement in producing custom-made anthologies for college courses. However, a divided court could not determine willful violation of the law, vacating damages awarded in lower court. Debate over fair use…

Complex issues in the educational environment often require sound legal counsel. Effective representation assists the district in controlling legal issues that could potentially burden the operation of the school. Offers advice regarding selecting, retaining, and effectively communicating with legal counsel. (Contains 12 references.) (Author/MLF)

The gap between professionally and legally acceptable practice in professional licensure tests is addressed. Pertinent activities of the American Psychological Association, American Educational Research Association, and the National Council for Measurement in Education are discussed. (TJH)

The University of Kansas record management system using optical disk storage in a network environment and the selection process used to meet existing hardware and budgeting requirements are described. Viability of the technology, document legality, and difficulties encountered during implementation are discussed. (Author/MSE)

Although more institutions are looking closely at their practices and policies concerning technology transfer, campus patent officials fear many have not adopted adequate measures to guard against potential ethical, legal, and financial problems in bringing technology to the marketplace. Potential for faculty conflict of interest is seen as…