Address the need to remedy the disparity in academic achievement of black and white students and examines why this disparity continues to exist in spite of the desegregation decrees issued under "Brown." Reviews how a court decides whether a school district has complied with a desegregation decree. Explains why schools are being released…

In "Harris" the Supreme Court ruled that Title VII is violated when the workplace environment "would reasonably be perceived and is perceived as hostile or abusive." Schools and colleges, by developing appropriate policies, procedures, and educational programs, can substantially increase understanding about the legal aspects of…

The Supreme Court ruled, in "R.A.V. v. City of St. Paul Minnesota," that the city's Biased-Motivated Crime Ordinance is unconstitutional. Discusses the factual background of "R.A.V.," of "Doe v. University of Michigan," and leading cases in the area of student first amendment rights. Draws conclusions and assesses…

Some scholars warn that a federal court ruling on copyright infringement may increase costs and delay production of anthologies of readings for college students. Others say the ruling provides needed safeguards against the pirating of intellectual property. Increased care in obtaining reproduction permission is anticipated. (MSE)

Discusses a recent Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals decision that when individuals are allowed to try out for or join a team participating in a contact sport and operated for members of the other sex, then discrimination against because of their sex is prohibited by Title IX. (22 footnotes) (MLF)

Discusses two major barriers to successful legal challenges to denial of tenure based on allegations of gender or race discrimination: court deference to academic decision-making and the complexity of the process leading to the granting or denial of tenure. (PKP)

In 1981 the federal courts decided hundreds of cases involving schools relating to civil rights statutes, the First Amendment, the Fourth Amendment, and the equal protection clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. Lawsuits concerning the handicapped involved such issues as the costs of determining what is equal opportunity in education, full-time…

Litigation concerning Alabama's vestiges of a racially dual system of higher education has advanced to an appeal by the plaintiffs to the United States Supreme Court alleging that the decision by the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals establishes a dual standard for black judges and white judges hearing desegregation cases. (MLF)

Three federal court decisions dealing with use of public university and public school facilities for student religious activities are outlined. The court decisions illustrate a "capriciousness" in the application of the "public forum" and "impressionable youth" issues and leave many questions unanswered. (MD)

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…

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…

Overviews Rule 23 (Federal Rules of Civil Procedure) governing class actions in the federal courts and analyzes the issues raised in class determinations for employment discrimination suits under Title VII (Civil Rights Act 1964). Discusses damage claim immunity for public institutions and limitations on evidence offered to prove discrimination.…