Presents a brief background on the information revolution. Discusses universal access and the National Information Infrastructure; the constrained view of Internet providers who oppose centralization, government regulation, limitation of individual rights, and commercialism; technology use in a democratic society; effectiveness of…

A federal court decision, Podberesky vs. Kirwin, in which a University of Maryland scholarship program targeting African American students was found to be racially discriminatory is a cause for concern because of heightened federal pressure to desegregate colleges and because of its possible implications for other state universities. (MSE)

Discusses the development of a national information superhighway. Highlights include the National Information Infrastructure; NREN (National Research and Education Network); private networks, including Prodigy; repositioning in the telecommunications industry, including telephone, cable, and entertainment companies; government regulations;…

Presents objectives and implementation goals formulated by the Information Industry Association for the anticipated rapid expansion of the telecommunications infrastructure. Highlights include market forces; the role of state, national, and international governments; competition versus regulation; maintenance of reasonable rates; worldwide public…

A federal judge has ordered Alabama's two public, historically black universities to enroll more whites as part of a statewide effort to reduce racial segregation in public colleges. Critics are offended by the judge's comments that the colleges' black heritage discourages white enrollment. The ruling also contained some more welcome results,…

Proposed regulations of the U.S. Department of Education would require institutions of higher education to disclose: (1) the graduation rates of full-time degree or certificate-seeking undergraduate students, and (2) statistics on crimes and arrests as well as campus security policies and procedures. Colleges are concerned that this information…

A national survey of private colleges and universities revealed a wide range of salaries and benefits paid to chief executives and other highly paid individuals. Concerns about administrator and faculty salaries are discussed, including federal regulation of "excessive" pay, privacy issues, forms of compensation, and disparity among and within…

This report focuses on definitions and explanations of key components of the Americans with Disabilities Act especially as they relate to compliance by medical schools. After a summary of the act and its development, explanations of the following concepts are given: "disability,""qualified individual with a disability," and…

The Higher Education Colloquium on Science Facilities Costs surveyed research universities, leading research corporations, and leading architectural/engineering firms concerning efficiency in construction of science facilities. Findings, comparisons between industry and education, effects of regulation and technological advancement, and…

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…

Presents case studies on children's exposure to pesticides, including risks through the use of the insecticide aldicarb on bananas, the home use of diazinon, and the use of interior house paint containing mercury. These cases illustrate how regulatory agencies, parents, health-care providers, and others who come into contact with children have…

Presents a series of articles that examine decision making in school construction and renovation projects. Topics include preparing for a construction project, purchasing windows that provide protection at a reasonable cost, choosing the best flooring and carpeting, and dealing with deregulation. An industry roundtable discussion on project…

Appointed by the U.S. Access Board, the Recreation Access Advisory Committee developed guidelines for making outdoor recreation facilities and areas accessible to persons with disabilities. Following negative public comment, a regulatory negotiation committee conducted public meetings and devised accessibility guidelines for trails that allowed…

The No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB), the most current revision of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 notwithstanding, the more than 100 page long Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is the most comprehensive, expensive, and litigated federal statute impacting on public education in the United States. Enacted…

Many universities are grappling with the issue of diversifying the faculty lines in higher education. While this appears to be a global issue across disciplines, those of us who are in special education may find it to be of greater concern because special education legislation, the Individuals with disabilities Act (IDEA) strongly supports…