This book provides a history of the U.S. tradition of academic freedom, peer review, and shared governance in higher education as a background to a discussion of academic ethics. The book also contains a selection of ethical problems for peer discussion. The chapters are: (1) "Introduction"; (2) "The American Academic Profession: The Tradition of…

Examines four cases decided in circuit courts regarding teachers' academic freedom. Cited in all these decisions was "Kuhlmeier," a case involving the lawful restriction of student speech. Contends that some of the language in the opinions could stimulate governing boards to try to intrude upon the professional judgment of teachers. (42…

Increased appreciation of the commercial value of intellectual property has triggered a major debate on college campuses, focusing on two issues: ownership of intellectual property and use of copyrighted works in teaching and research. Because these raise faculty-rights issues, faculty must identify its claims and interests clearly and make itself…

Intellectual property questions, as they concern college faculty, are composed of many issues and have substantial and far-reaching implications for the work of faculty and students and for administrative decision making. Both faculty and the American Association of University Professors must become involved to guard against incursions of academic…

Warns that higher education, particularly in the humanities, has become politicized. Argues that restrictions on the freedom of speech of professors and students in the name of feminist and antiracist ideologies are one-sided examples of "political correctness." Contends that the humanities are diminished by such politicalization and…

The statement of the American Association of University Professors' Special Committee on Distance Education and Intellectual Property addresses the rights and responsibilities of faculty, institutions, and third parties in the current volatile, highly entrepreneurial environment of distance education. A statement on copyrights is included. (MSE)

This document was prepared to inform teachers about their academic freedom rights and to assist teachers who are confronted with a potential academic freedom issue. It provides (1) an essay which outlines the issues, (2) a list of significant decisions of the U.S. Courts of Appeals and their implications, (3) steps to follow when academic freedom…

New Mexico State University addressed the trend toward employing non-tenure-track faculty (NTTs) by capping the proportion of NTTs; acceptance of a two-tiered faculty with differentiated responsibilities; extension of professional rights to NTTs; full and regular NTT evaluation, participation in merit pay, and promotion opportunities; and…

This paper is part of a series of studies designed to ascertain what policies and practices, if any, are currently in effect regarding rights and privileges connected with retirement in higher education. This study sought information about the perquisites furnished to retired higher education faculty in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania through a…

Urges that teachers be allowed to play a more active role in school restructuring. Argues that democratic ideals cannot be taught by a school system that is not run democratically. Insists that proponents of restructuring and educational renewal must see as central the teachers' control over professional affairs. (DK)

This booklet addresses responsibilities and rights of faculty interacting with postsecondary students who have disabilities and the legislation determining those responsibilities and rights. It focuses on the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. For each of the two laws,…

The American Association of University Professors' report on intellectual property rights summarizes federal copyright law on issues that concern faculty: ownership; commercialization; revenue distribution; works created for colleges and universities; fair use; traditional, electronic, and multimedia materials; Internet/World Wide Web; digital…

Syllabi and texts used in courses on higher education law are reviewed. These courses are offered as part of graduate level studies in the field of higher education administration. A major gap appears to be the need for a current and frequently revised casebook. Four major topics that higher education law courses emphasize are as follows: the…

This monograph is a legal treatise covering all legal aspects of the evaluation of teachers. It looks at what can legally be evaluated, how the evaluation can become evidence for termination, and how to avoid and win lawsuits involving wrongful teacher dismissals. It is intended for practicing administrators, supervisors of instruction, teacher…

Legal issues have become of increasing concern to school teachers and school officials. This article addresses the need for teachers, administrators, and students to have a basic awareness of their legal rights and responsibilities. Based upon a review of leading law digests, the following significant legal issues are identified and examined:…