A series of studies in New Jersey schools documented asbestos abatement and management activities in 17 schools representing 20 abatement sites. Findings demonstrate that school officials must increase their awareness of asbestos issues, improve the oversight of asbestos abatement and management programs, and improve lines of communication among…

A federal report finds that in 1995, 13% of colleges did not publish annual security reports required by federal law, and an equal number did not use the definitions of crimes prescribed by law. Common offenders were trade schools and colleges enrolling under 200 students. Among reporting institutions, 26% reported violent crimes, and 44% reported…

Provisions of the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) are putting pressure on schools. Last year, schools were only required to show gains for entire grade levels. This year, all states must also show specified improvement in various subgroups. Provides five examples. The National Education Association plans to file a lawsuit over the unfounded…

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires that a public school operate each service, program, or activity, when viewed in its entirety, as readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities. A public school is not required to make its existing facilities totally accessible where other methods are effective in achieving…

Those responsible for planning and management of colleges and universities must plan comprehensively for hazardous waste disposal. Federal and state regulations are increasing, landfill area is becoming scarce, and incineration costs are rising fast. High-level institutional commitment to a sound campus environment policy is essential. (MSE)

Examines the major federal and state laws that govern the privacy aspects of the use of computer databases in three areas: private institutions, state and local governments, and the federal government. The ability of existing privacy laws to prevent abusive information collection, dissemination, and management practices is evaluated. (four…

The unauthorized reproduction of printed material in electronic form, particularly using optical scanning, is rising and would be impossible to monitor. The publishing industry is trying to establish the extent of the trend and determine how to cope with the copyright problems it raises. (MSE)

The House Subcommittee on Postsecondary Education heard testimony about both the positive aspects of intercollegiate sports and overcommercialization and corruption. The information gave legislators little sense of the federal government's role in overseeing college sports. (MSE)

A discussion of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 concerning responsibility for toxic waste disposal looks at college and university liability under the act, institutional defenses that could be raised under the act, and the settlement process. (MSE)

Describes structure and use of asbestos; diseases associated with asbestos exposure; legislation and regulations concerning asbestos; training requirements of individuals involved in asbestos abatement; sampling and testing whether a material contains asbestos; and liabilities. (MLF)

Explores the residential placement provision of the regulations accompanying the Education for All Handicapped Children Act. Describes federal court interpretations, analyzing the criteria for distinguishing a special education residential placement from a noneducational residential placement. Suggests that courts should construe the residential…

The Department of Education's announcement of new policy concerning the evaluation of college desegregation efforts could affect the monitoring of compliance in several states in which court-ordered desegregation plans have expired. The higher standards are based on the 1992 Supreme Court ruling, United States v. Fordice. (MSE)

Federal regulations governing receipts from fund-raising events at colleges and universities are summarized, including rules concerning tax deductions for raffle tickets, how and when to acknowledge donor gifts (cash or non-cash), and disclosure of fair market value. (MSE)

It is noted that federal deregulation of the electrical utility industry will allow colleges and universities to buy electrical services from suppliers who provide the best reliability and cost combination. Considerations are examined for the following options: purchasing an existing electrical substation, building a new substation, using on-site…

Two decades of affirmative action have not substantially altered the percentage of women and minorities in higher education faculty and professional ranks. Although continued attention to affirmative action is important, institutions should not let their guidelines channel and truncate the screening process so as to overlook stronger candidates.…