The "Freedom of Speech Newsletter" is the communication medium, published four times each academic year, of the Freedom of Speech Interest Group, Western Speech Communication Association. Articles included in this issue are "What Is Academic Freedom For?" by Ralph Ross, "A Sociology of Free Speech" by Ray Heidt,…

Based on the view that schools are responsible for providing a safe and supportive setting for all students and that with education the school climate will improve for sexual-minority parents and their children, this booklet provides information on how schools can become more welcoming to all students. Following introductory comments, the book is…

This roundtable offered a springboard for discussion on homophobia in the workplace in four major areas: education, industry, mental health, and public service. In the discussion on education, gay, lesbian, and bisexual (GLB) college students explored ingrained attitudes and beliefs that impact their college life. Other issues explored in academia…

This issue contains the following articles: "Was Mir Wisse: A Review of the Literature on the Languages of the Pennsylvania Germans" (David Bowie); "Tigrinya Root Consonants and the OCP" (Eugene Buckley); "Duration of Onset Consonants in Gay Male Stereotyped Speech" (Sean Crist); "PRO, the EPP and Nominative…

Reports the study of ritual verbal insults among Black men and among gay men. Gives examples of these insults and explains the situations in which such insulting takes place. (PMJ)

Explores the meanings and connections between two different identities: women (visible) and lesbian (invisible). Utilizes a series of interviews to examine the complex relationships that exist between individual identity meanings and those that are socially constructed and maintained within an educational system. Includes many verbatim comments…

Describes a seven-step process that uses young adult literature to help teenagers understand and deal with their troubles. Offers brief annotations of five young adult titles in each of nine areas: alienation and identity; divorce; dropouts, delinquency, and gangs; poverty; teenage pregnancy; abused children; alcohol and drugs; homosexuality; and…

The student editor and faculty advisor of a high school newspaper discuss reactions to a feature on gays, lesbians, and homophobia that caused great controversy in the school's community. Acceptance of diversity, which motivated the topic selection in the first place, also grew from acknowledging the responses of the community. (SLD)

Examines the special needs fomented by sexual orientation when considering graduate education and access to the academic job market. Offers information on terms and definitions regarding sexual orientation, cultural influences, the relationship between one's personal and professional life, institutional policy, coming out, faculty-student…

Provides a step-by-step description of the process used to develop an HIV/AIDS prevention workshop for professionals who work with gay and bisexual men in a rural region where HIV/AIDS is perceived as irrelevant and public discourse on the topic is rare. Discusses obstacles overcome in determining a focus for the proposal and a focus for the 2-day…

Describes events in Fairbanks (Alaska) resulting from an attempt by some community members to remove a book about homosexuality from the high school library. The discussion covers community reactions, media coverage, and a school board campaign that focused on this issue. Tabbert's speech the night of the vote is presented in the second article.…

Surveys of homosexual support groups nationwide asked how respondents felt about being gay in high school and how school staff could improve the experience. Few had happy high school memories. Most wanted teachers to actively interrupt homophobic and prejudiced behavior and promote awareness. Preservice teachers need preparation for such…

Through a national survey (n=219), this study explores how gay, lesbian, and bisexual students view discrimination on campus. Students concluded that on many campuses, existing ethical guidelines concerning discrimination are not equally applied to gay, lesbian, and bisexual students. Considers possible causes for this divergence between ethical…

Investigated hypothesis that gay men and heterosexual women are dissatisfied with their bodies and vulnerable to eating disorders because of shared emphasis on physical attractiveness and thinness based on desire to please men. Findings from 53 lesbian, 59 gay, 62 heterosexual female, and 63 heterosexual male college students generally confirmed…

Describes reactions by college students to an antihomophobic classroom pedagogy. Asserts that homosexual and bisexual students need to see themselves represented in the classroom. Presents a 30-item selected bibliography addressing this issue. (CFR)