This report of the Supreme Courts' 1987-88 term is organized by subject matter with summaries of the key cases the court decided, lower court decisions the Court refused to review, and decisions to be reviewed in the 1988-89 term. A list of all cases discussed, including case citations, is included. (MLF)

An Oregon court case in which American Indians disputed a state law against use of peyote for ritual practices is reviewed, and its implications for free exercise of religion on college campuses are examined. In this context, the impact of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993 is also considered. (MSE)

The Supreme Court ordered a lower court to reexamine the free-speech case of a controversial City University of New York black studies professor, demoted from department chairman for making racially biased statements seen as disruptive. The rights of public universities to make such decisions was a central issue. (MSE)

This review of 1989-90 Supreme Court decisions is divided into four sections by subject matter: (1) student rights; (2) employee rights and labor issues; (3) school desegregation; and (4) special education. A list of cases and statutes discussed, with citations, is included. (MLF)

The Pope called upon Roman Catholic institutions of higher learning to "make known their Catholic identity" by integrating Catholic teaching and discipline in all university activities. Religious institutions find themselves facing precarious legal challenges, where the constitutionality of government appropriations could be challenged,…

Examines a 1994 college desegregation case involving possible merger of Mississippi University for Women, a historically white institution, and Mississippi Valley State University, a historically black institution. Following the wishes of trustees, and supported by alumni, the president of the former institution engaged in an unorthodox litigation…

The Supreme Court of the USA explains when universities may use race-based admissions policies without violating the Equal Protection Clause of the US Constitution. These rulings raise important ethical issues for universities that are presently using race as a consideration in their admissions decisions. This paper discusses some of the ethical…

Section A of the Media and Law section of the proceedings contains the following nine papers: "RICO and the First Amendment: Racketeering Laws Threaten Free Expression" (Matthew D. Bunker and others); "Press Coverage of the Federal Appellate Courts: Technology and a Shared Notion of Newsworthiness" (Rebekah V. Bromley);…

Dress codes directed at gang attire present school officials with the dilemma of ensuring the safety of the students in a school environment versus the First Amendment rights of students to express themselves. A review of some of the court decisions limited to freedom of expression and general dress code cases serves as a foundation from which to…

In a federal court case (Timothy W. versus Rochester School District), a public school district was relieved of any obligation to provide special education services for a disabled child who was considered incapable of benefiting from educational services. This case has raised significant questions regarding the scope of school districts'…

This document traces the evolution of federal protection of the educational rights of language-minority students, beginning with the enactment of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the first steps of the (then) Department of Health, Education and Welfare (HEW) to ensure local school district compliance through its Office of Civil Rights…

The role of clergy in the successful desegregation of Dayton Schools from 1969-79 is described. Prior to a 1976 federal court order to begin busing, the clergy were unable to agree on desegregation issues. However, during the second phase of the controversy, they publicly endorsed peaceful implementation of busing. A conclusion is that the clergy…

The intent of this chapter is to emphasize the student evaluation aspect over other legal principles. Several cases illustrate that courts will interfere with school boards' authority to determine placement of pupils only when a violation of constitutional or statutory rights of a student occurs. In the matter of sanctions against students that…

Findings are reported resulting from a 3-year study of the impacts of academic employment-discrimination litigation on the parties and their institutions. Two nationwide surveys were conducted, one of plaintiffs and one of university counsel. Six major lawsuits against colleges and universities were investigated by interviewing the plaintiffs and…

In an effort to foster better understanding of the crucial role of the courts in protecting all persons from legislative and executive overreaching, this report examines and evaluates the Helms-Johnston Amendment, one of many efforts Congress is making to limit the authority of federal courts in cases involving the controversial issues of…