Reviews Burch v. Barker, in which the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that school administrators' prior review of an alternative or off-campus publication, destined for distribution on the school campus, is in violation of the First Amendment. (MS)

The Supreme Court in "Lamb's Chapel" unanimously reversed federal district and court of appeals decisions that had upheld school district rules prohibiting use of school district property "by any group for religious purposes." Discusses three issues within the context of religious speech: establishment of religion, free speech,…

In "United States v.Lopez," a highly fractured United States Supreme Court, in a five-to-four ruling that generated six different opinions, affirmed that Congress had exceeded its authority in adopting the Gun-Free School Zones Act. Provides an in-depth examination of the Court's ruling and concludes with an analysis of the legal issues…

Can a school board choose a minority teacher, using race as a "plus" factor to promote a more diverse faculty for students' benefit? A school board in New Jersey unanimously voted to keep the minority instructor. The case of "Taxman" involves how much academic discretion educators should have in putting together a faculty. The…

Analyzes the history of the Freedom of Information Act business exemption, the reasoning in the federal appellate case "Critical Mass III," and the aftermath of the case in federal courts. Explores its implications for public relations practitioners who may be seeking information about other businesses or trying to maintain…

Both sides claimed victory when a deeply divided Supreme Court ruled in a case that had been expected to determine how college faculty's union fees should be allocated among national unions and local affiliates for activities related to or not related to collective bargaining. (MSE)

A Supreme Court ruling for a female high school student charging sex discrimination is seen by some as a positive step in Title IX compliance in college athletics, by others as encouraging litigation and emphasis on personal gain. It also gives protection to female staff and students outside athletics. (MSE)

In "Lehnert v. Ferris Faculty Association" the Supreme Court agreed that local unions can charge nonmembers for some parent-organization expenses not directly related to bargaining. Contends that the decision weakens the academic freedom for college and university faculty members who do not wish to voluntarily support union activity. (21…

Examines key legal tensions flowing from the return of organized student-sponsored prayer to public schools. Claims that political "conservatism" has subordinated individual liberty to the unwarranted power of the federal government. (19 references) (MLF)

In "Lambs Chapel," the Supreme Court struck down a complete prohibition against afterhours use of public schools by religious groups. Summarizes lower court decisions, and then the opinions of Justices White, Scalia, and Kennedy. Examines the Court's consensus about protecting religious perspectives under the Free Speech Clause and the…

Considers the First Circuit=s decision to extend the journalistic privilege to protect academic researchers who were subpoenaed in the Microsoft litigation. Gives an overview of traditional rules of evidence, discusses previous cases, and outlines the arguments researchers have made to fight subpoenas. Concludes that the research privilege should…

The Supreme Court's ruling in "Missouri versus Jenkins" signalled a further retrenchment in the struggle to end racial segregation in the schools. The majority held that the federal district court exceeded the bounds of its broad discretion in its mandated desegregation remedy. Reviews the Court's holding in detail and reflects on the…

Discusses Eighth Circuit Court's upholding of an Oklahoma nontenured second-grade teacher's claim of religious discrimination and violation of First Amendment right of expression when school board declined to renew her contract on recommendation of a principal concerned with parent objections to New Age thinking in a letter sent home attached to a…

In "Hazelwood School District v. Kuhlmeier," the Supreme Court ruled that school authorities could control a student newspaper. This article summarizes the facts surrounding "Hazelwood," and outlines the lower court decisions, the conflicting views of the Court justices, the questions it leaves unresolved, and its implications…

The Supreme Court has ruled that statistical evidence about the effects of an employer's policies can be used to prove discrimination in situations where a variety of imprecise criteria are used. The decision is applicable to faculty salary and tenure disputes. (MSE)