The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) recently had its 30th anniversary. Emerging from the United Nations General Assembly in 1989, it has since become the most ratified international human rights treaty ever. Most European countries ratified it and are thus obliged to ensure the implementation of children's rights in practice.…

What do attacks on 'unpalatable' research reveal about academic freedom? When academic work is curtailed, this cherished yet misunderstood concept is undermined. Silencing based on moral objection -- rather than wrongdoing -- suggests academic freedom is more constrained than we believe. On paper, academic freedom is rule-bound, yet 'dangerous'…

In South Africa, the common law principle of "in loco parentis" entitles teachers, as the guardians in the school environment, to discipline learners. However, in view of new legislation advancing children's rights, it is unclear as to the extent to which teachers can or do enact the "loco parentis" role. This study employed a…

This article focuses on the importance of recognizing and appreciating the ways that a teacher integrates her personal and professional life with an English-only policy. Much can be learned from the ways in which she negotiates social forces and integrates them into her individual reality while making sense of the restrictive language policy.…

This was a purposeful, qualitative, historical and document-based research study that investigated the trends and outcomes of the legal issues relating to teacher dismissal for "immorality". The study included 114 cases over a 30-year period spanning from 1977-2007. Federal and state level law cases were researched to determine the ruling of…

Discusses seven court cases that have helped clarify teachers' privacy rights and the limitations on those rights. (MLF)

This article examines changes in community and legal attitudes towards immoral conduct by teachers. The concept of immorality is clarified in order to discuss different sources of immoral conduct. The study of professional ethics as part of teacher preparation is advocated. (MT)

This paper addresses the legal tension between a teacher's right to privacy and a school board's right to demand exemplary conduct by teachers in and out of school. The watershed case in the area of a teacher's right to a private life appears to be "Morrison v. Board of Education" (California 1969), which identified factors that a board may…

The Iowa Board of Regents requires faculty to present a disclaimer when classroom instructional materials include sexually explicit content and allow students to complete alternative assignments. Some feel the policy strikes a healthy balance between academic freedom and student choice; others see it as giving students undue authority. (MSE)

This handbook makes clear what the legal rights and responsibilities of California teachers and students are with regard to moral and civic education. For example, the duty of teachers concerning the instruction of pupils in ethics, morals, manners, religion and democratic principles is explained through discussion of the values that teachers are…

Describes classrooms and schools as a culture of power that mirror society's unjust social relations. Investigates the questions: (1) is it ever justified to use power to interrupt power?; and (2) does all silencing subjugate? Outlines arguments for and against censorship of teachers who believe that portraying homosexual lifestyles positively…

Addresses Barbara Applebaum's argument that speech acts reproduce power. Argues that Applebaum's focus on utterances and expressions of belief is too narrow because it leaves out silence, particularly about sexual orientation in school curricula. Describes silence as a speech act that promotes harm just as powerfully as other speech acts. (CAJ)

Describes teachers' understanding of individualized instruction by presenting data collected from interviews with seven elementary school instructors. Finds a positive relationship between teachers' understanding of individualized instruction and their moral development as measured by the Defining Issues Test. Provides a number of interpretations…

Cites court cases where school boards presented evidence that a teacher's lifestyle or conduct provided grounds for dismissal. (HOD)

The dismissal of public school teachers in Oregon is governed by the Fair Dismissal Law. The statutory requirements of the law involve (1) a notice from the superintendent of intent to dismiss, (2) school board approval of dismissal, (3) the teacher's right to appeal to the Fair Dismissal Appeals Board (FDAB), and (4) the school board's and…