A discussion of scientific fraud and research misconduct looks at the federal mandate for more effective control by institutions and sponsoring agencies, the response of higher education associations, and issues awaiting consensus development, including anonymous reports, protection of the "whistle-blower," legal representation, and the…

Mediation can be an efficient and appropriate process for resolving civil rights complaints. A survey of 36 human relations and civil rights offices in 10 states confirms that mediation is too seldom used, although there is interest in mediation practices. Problem areas in mediation are discussed. (SLD)

Sexual harassment incidents on college campuses, sometimes accompanied by litigation, raise complex questions about the institution's responsibilities, including counseling for victim and accused, employment status of accused faculty, aggressiveness of investigations, staff training policies, complaint procedures, and institutional liability. (MSE)

Analysis of a Supreme Court case, in which university use of academic freedom as a basis for protecting confidential peer-review documents was rejected, explores the general development and this application of academic freedom doctrine. Individual academic freedom is distinguished from institutional autonomy in protection of the free exchange of…

Recent limitation of charitable and sovereign immunity of colleges and universities and the increased willingness of courts to entertain tort lawsuits by students against universities has resulted in increased institutional exposure to tort liability for injuries caused by dangerous buildings or grounds. Institutions can take some measures to…

It is argued that some church-related universities are both religious and academic communities, thus constituting protected exercises of religion. Attempts to coerce compliance with secular standards of nondiscrimination and academic freedom may violate the institution's rights to free exercise of religion. A Brigham Young University (Utah) policy…

It is proposed that the values and environment of a church-related law school differ from those of secular institutions because of the religious orientation of faculty and students, and fostering such an institution is religious freedom, now threatened by accreditation rules and current First Amendment jurisprudence. (Author/MSE)

Focuses on legal problems related to copyright that might arise from teaching via the Internet. Discusses the basics of copyright law; owner's rights; subject matter of copyright; copyright requirements; infringement action and remedies; the fair-use doctrine; guidelines for classroom copying; two views about controls on the Internet; the White…

Examines the impact of federal civil-rights legislation on the ability of Catholic colleges and universities to engage in mission-centered employment in the context of "Ex Corde Ecclesiae," the Papal constitution on higher education. Argues that Catholic schools would not be in violation of this legislation, but instead would be…

An attorney who has served both plaintiffs and defendants in court cases involving higher education institutions suggests several basic principles for institutional researchers in coping with a complex litigious environment: stay informed about major legal developments; consult your institution's attorney, and be proactive in the consultation; do…

The National Federation of Abstracting and Information Services (NFAIS) is an organization of over 60 publishers and online service providers. Included is a formal white paper which was released in December 1997 to clarify the rights and responsibilities of each party in the electronic information delivery process: authors, publishers,…

Salaries of head coaches in college sports are rising, but a large salary gap remains between coaches of men's and women's teams. In a national ranking of institutions by salary averages, men's coaches at the median institution made 43% more than women's coaches. Some institutions provide more salary equity than others. The Justice Department is…

Campus police and other college officials believe the 16,237 alcohol arrests and 7,060 drug arrests on college campuses in 1996 reflect tougher enforcement, not increased usage among students. This is particularly true in states such as Michigan, where state law concerning underage drinking has changed, and in communities where enforcement is…

Six articles review and analyze 1996 court litigation concerning higher education. Topics include: federal immunity law; tort-accident cases (traditional tort rules in the college or university setting); disciplinary and academic decisions pertaining to students; employment discrimination; and disability discrimination. (MSE)

For-profit charter-school managers may be removing the "public" from public education. A study of 11 Michigan charter schools showed that cost-cutting strategies are adversely affecting student transportation, special education, and the socioeconomic mix of students. Corporations' superimposed bureaucracies have eradicated educators'…