Increased willingness to speak out about sexual harassment has several implications for the academic community. Faculty must behave carefully at all times, understand the risk of having a relationship with a student, and avoid sexual overtures. Recent court decisions offer some guidelines for conduct and for determination if harassment exists.…

Discusses the appropriateness and legality of Internet filters in any type of library and suggests that there is a much less tenable legal justification for Internet filters in academic libraries. Topics include freedom of speech; pornography versus obscenity; sexual harassment; applicable court cases; and acceptable use policies. (LRW)

The U.S. Supreme Court recently ruled that public schools may be sued for failing to confront students who harass their classmates. This article explains the ruling, defines three levels of peer harassment, and outlines guidelines for school officials. Swift investigations and legally defensible policies and procedures are essential. (MLH)

Like all teens, sexual minority youths (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) face many challenges, including student-on-student sexual orientation harassment. The authors examine recent research into the relative frequency, the potential impact, and school district responsibility to protect sexual minority youths from ongoing…

Sexual harassment is a pervasive problem on our nation's college and university campuses, one that can have devastating results. Educational institutions had been shielded from liability for sexual harassment until the late 1990s, when two landmark Supreme Court decisions set forth a new standard for liability of institutions where students are…

This paper addressed the need for continued awareness on the part of Educational Administrators as to their legal responsibilities as instructional leaders and custodians of the students under their supervision. Research revealed that school administrators unknowingly are violating the law everyday. Courts are keeping a close eye on school…

This guide provides school law practitioners and school leaders needed information on "how" to prevent, respond to, analyze and, defend a student-to-student harassment claim. It includes a discussion of the law, a section on policy development, practical advice on conducting an investigation, tips for training, and an analysis of the Office for…

Participants at a conference sponsored by Cornell University's Institute for Women and Work examined the impact of sexual harassment in academe and discussed ways to address it on campus. Speakers focused on specific policies and procedures for addressing harassment complaints. (MLW)

Last year, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit ruled in "Davis" that a student can sue for damages if school officials know a student is being sexually harassed but fail to intervene. (MLF)

Sexual harassment violates Title VII of the 1965 Civil Rights Act. School systems that do not take steps to prevent sexual harassment are neglecting their responsibilities and are vulnerable to costly legal action. Lists steps school executives should take to halt sexual harassment. (MLF)

Discusses "Doe v. Petaluma City School District," the only reported federal court decision dealing with "peer sexual harassment," and other sexual harassment cases. Cites major remedies available to victims of peer harassment in schools and the scope and extent of school district and/or employee liability for peer harassment.…

Reviews early court decisions and federal guidelines on sexual harassment. Defines quid pro quo and hostile work environment. Provides suggestions for developing policy and including information on sexual harassment in business curricula. (SK)

Sexual harassment in American higher education is currently a problem of ethics and morals rather than of law. Any meaningful remedy for the student victim must be created and implemented by the institution, because courts, legislatures, and administrative agencies do not offer a remedy to student victims of sexual harassment. (MSE)

The U.S. Supreme Court, in its June 1998 "Gebser" decision, held that school districts cannot be sued for damages under Title IX unless a school official knows about a teacher's sexual abuse of a student and fails to stop it. However, districts must comply with Title IX requirements and follow appropriate guidelines. (MLH)

Examines the "special relationship" doctrine as it applies to school officials' duty, under federal constitutional law, to protect students from peer sexual harassment. Examination of the 1871 Civil Rights Act, Section 1983, and relevant case law shows that the special-relationship claim has proved an ineffective avenue for students.…