Provides excerpts from the six-part history of the United Federation of Teachers, New York City to show that most of the day-to-day rights and dignities teachers now take for granted once had to be wrested from a reluctant and uncooperative system. Suggests that the struggle to maintain these rights is continuing. (GR)

Examines the current state of First Amendment rights of faculty at public colleges and universities. Using as a focus the recent case of Crue v. Aiken, analyzes the place of the prior restraint doctrine and the treatment of public employees in the free speech context, arriving at a conclusion that offers an extension of the restrictions allowed by…

Analyzes Massachusetts case involving Salem State College decision to prevent a student from continuing his student teaching at an elementary school because of his continued expression of strongly held religious views in the classroom. First Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the college's decision rejecting the student's claim that his 1st and 14th…

Religious rights of teachers are affected in three primary areas of activities: (1) outside the school environment; (2) inside the school environment; and (3) inside the classroom. These issues are examined from the perspective of the constitutional principles involved. (MLF)

Two federal circuit court cases clarify the transactional relationship between the teacher and the educational institution: "McConnell v. Howard University" focuses on the institution's responsibility to provide a proper academic atmosphere; "Maples v. Martin" recognizes the rights of public college professors to communicate professional concerns…

The Supreme Court decision in Martin vs. Wilks gives employees dissatisfied with affirmative action hiring plans the right to mount legal challenges to them years after adoption, even if employees did not challenge the plans originally. Some say the plans are vulnerable to new legal challenges, while others say they are not. (MSE)

Examines four cases decided in circuit courts regarding teachers' academic freedom. Cited in all these decisions was "Kuhlmeier," a case involving the lawful restriction of student speech. Contends that some of the language in the opinions could stimulate governing boards to try to intrude upon the professional judgment of teachers. (42…

The existing legal position of Australian universities with respect to ownership and exploitation of intellectual property by faculty, students, and outside consultants is described. Issues requiring attention are noted, including resources for exploitation, sharing of proceeds, and copyright considerations; and some possible solutions are…

Reviews the controversy of teaching evolution and creationism in public schools from the early years of the twentieth century until today. Identifies two stages of the legal challenges to the teaching of evolution. Contends that academic freedom issues may provide another avenue to the Supreme Court for those supporting creationism. (CFR)

Both the community and the teaching profession are claiming ownership of the problem of the impact of a teacher's private life on his employment status. An analysis uses a construct developed by Joseph R. Gusfield with components of ownership, causation, and political responsibility. (44 references) (MLF)

Discusses what drama teachers, directors, and administrators should know about the legal limits of their freedom of expression. Discusses the limitations imposed by the courts on administrative officials regarding their ability to control or regulate what theater students and teachers do. (RS)

Tenure has lost public legitimacy. Of 30 states reforming civil-service systems or proposing reforms, Georgia has gone the farthest. Since 1996, new state government hires have been "at will" employees. Erosion of private-sector union strength may aid antitenure political leaders' efforts. A sidebar outlines states' actions. (10…

The 11th Circuit Court upheld a Georgia district's termination of an exemplary teacher who refused an immediate drug test after a police dog sniffed out a marijuana cigarette in her unlocked car. This case illustrates application of zero-tolerance policies to teachers and other personnel despite employees' signed contracts. (MLH)

Discusses a federal district court decision ordering a trial to determine if the New York City Public Schools created a "hostile work environment" in violation of the Equal Employment Opportunity Act by not protecting a Sri Lankan-born teacher from repeated ridicule and harassment by students. (Contains 10 references.) (PKP)

Describes important court decisions which illustrate the relationship and potential tension between the academic freedom of an individual professor and the academic freedom of the university as an institution. (EV)