This paper examines the potential threat that a conservative sociopolitical culture poses to academic freedom in state colleges and universities. Already a number of states are considering legislation that would restrict professors' rights to discuss political issues within their classes, especially political issues having religious or moral…

Contends that universities must be concerned with efforts to censor elementary and secondary schools' academic freedom. Reports on the American Association of University Professors' (AAUP) recommendations for promoting and protecting academic freedom. The recommendations are targeted at universities, academic disciplines, and individual faculty…

Outlines the concerns about collective bargaining issues and teachers brought about as a result of the "National Labor Relations Board v. Yeshiva University" decision. (MD)

Discusses the importance of being fully aware of the school district's, the state's, and the organization's rules, regulations, and laws affecting teachers, students, parents and guardians, and taxpayers regarding student organizations. (JOW)

Analyzes South Dakota Supreme Court decision reversing school board's dismissal for incompetence of fifth-grade teacher for answering boys' questions about homosexual sex in explicit language. Court held that teacher's singular incident involving indiscreet answers was not sufficient to support charge of incompetence nor was the board policy…

This letter, requested by University of California Berkeley's president, discusses the issues of academic freedom and responsibility raised by the controversy surrounding "The Politics and Poetics of Palestinian Resistance," a section of English taught there in fall 2002. (EV)

Asserts that at least three things can be said with growing confidence about what has happened in the academy since September 11. First, academic freedom has suffered as a result of government measures. Second, the impact of the governmental response has been less severe than many would have feared. Third, the most important and troubling…

Determines whether high school educators were aware of selected legal decisions rendered by the U.S. Supreme Court that affect daily public school operations. Educators studied lacked knowledge in school finance, corporal punishment, and teacher rights. Staff development and prerequisite courses in school law should be a high priority. (12…

Court rulings from Arizona to New York have indicated that pledge of allegiance ceremonies may be included in a public school's curriculum as part of a local or state goal to instill patriotism and citizenship lessons. Students and teachers cannot be forced to participate if participation violates their personal religious or philosophical…

Addresses concerns about school personnel records and legal precedents regarding privacy. Recommends inclusion in teacher education of content about teachers' privacy rights. Lists fair information practices for schools regarding the accuracy of and access to personnel records. (SK)

The author recounts her experiences as a lobbyist for the Louisiana Vocational Agricultural Teachers' Association during a period of severe financial cutbacks for education in that state. She provides ideas for vocational agriculture teachers in other states on how to influence state apropriations. (CH)

To identify applicants with past criminal records, 22 states have passed laws making F.B.I. checks mandatory for teacher certification. Because many teachers are affronted by background checks and fingerprinting, unions often block this type of proposed legislation. Insets provide tips on avoiding defamation and negligent hiring charges and on…

A discussion of the transmission and prevention of hepatitis B focuses on implications of the disease for special educators, including maintaining confidentiality, providing education in the least restrictive environment, curriculum modifications in related behavioral/social areas, and personal risk. Relevant administrative and legal questions are…

Reviews a number of court cases dealing with teacher liability and malpractice. Concludes that, in general, the courts recognize the constraints under which teachers work and want them to have the opportunity to work creatively without fear of litigation. (FL)

A survey of 400 Turkish college faculty found that some academic freedoms (research, no oaths or special requirements) exist at a higher level than others (self-government, association, criticism, tenure). A surprising number are not aware of their freedoms and rights. (SK)