Presents the first in a multi-part series of procedures on risk management of child abuse in child care settings. This part suggests steps in collecting information and clarifying circumstances. (BB)

Data on sexual violence at colleges are reviewed briefly, and strategies for reducing such violence are outlined, focusing on techniques to discourage sexual aggression in male students. The author draws on experience in giving workshops to student groups. Academic advisors are urged to be active in addressing the problem. (MSE)

It is argued that the medical school curriculum should include content on jurisprudence to empower physicians to use the law and their legal colleagues to serve patients and promote public welfare. Developing practitioners' skills and changing attitudes are seen as more important than imparting information about particular doctrines and laws. (MSE)

A combination of economic and societal stresses contributes to workplace violence in higher education. College human resources professionals must become knowledgeable about its causes, implications, prevention, and appropriate responses. A three-tiered plan includes a preventive program, threat-management plan and team, and crisis management team.…

Increasingly, college faculty members accused of sexual harassment say their rights have been breached and are suing their institutions. Some observers see the trend as a backlash to new expectations about appropriate faculty behavior. Others worry that administrative definitions of harassment are too broad, and faculty due process is violated.…

Federal constitutional, statutory, and case law dealing with minority-targeted scholarships and admissions are reviewed. Applicable laws and standards, standing, admission and scholarship procedures, affirmative action, and holistic assessments are discussed. It is concluded that many existing affirmative action programs may violate the Fourteenth…

In briefs filed with the Supreme Court, the Clinton administration, higher-education and civil-rights groups, colleges, and law schools are urging the court to uphold the legality of race-exclusive scholarships in a University of Maryland case. The briefs emphasize the scholarships' value in promoting diverse student bodies. (MSE)

An interview with the legal activist, Janet Benshoof, focuses on her current activities (litigation and education about reproductive law), the development of her interest in women's rights and the law, her experience as a female law student at Harvard, her early education, her thoughts about special programs and rural education, and implications…

Four state court cases are discussed, involving the issue of employing noncertified versus certified teachers in gifted education and teachers with seniority versus gifted education experience. Based on the two West Virginia cases and two Pennsylvania cases, it is concluded that mandatory certification provides greater legal protection for gifted…

The Supreme Court has ruled public colleges may not deny funds to student groups because they engage in religious activities. The case, involving the University of Virginia, sets looser standards for separation of church and state in higher education. Some see it as providing new protections against censorship and withdrawal of funds. Text of the…

The Supreme Court's dissenting opinion in a University of Virginia case concerning denial of funds to a religious student newspaper is presented. Justice Souter argues that the ruling supporting funding is in violation of doctrine concerning separation of church and state. (MSE)

Explores issues of K-12 educators incorporating wide-area networking into the curriculum and becoming consumers and providers of materials on the Internet; factors include decision making, legal problems, and student behaviors. Describes a K-12 project called Common Knowledge: Pittsburgh. (Author/AEF)

College administrators may use state and federal law and disciplinary policy to prevent selling and/or purchasing prefabricated term papers. The federal government may enjoin term-paper companies' activities involving use of the mails for fraudulent purposes. States may enjoin sale of term papers violating education or criminal codes. (MSE)

A court case in which a dyslexic medical student was dismissed from medical school because he was unable to pass multiple-choice examinations is discussed, and its implications for higher education are examined. Standards in the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 are considered, and recommendations are made for institutions admitting handicapped students.…

Argues that the concept of justice offers many opportunities for creative teaching. Observes that historical and contemporary examples can help students understand the relationship among justice, power, and law. Suggests role playing and the study of legal symbols as means of helping students learn to comprehend legal concepts. (SG)