Explores how, in the 1990s, a new form of censorship emerged in the ever-expanding definition of sexual harassment. Asserts that no greater threat to free speech and individual rights in the university presently exists within the scope of American jurisprudence. Offers cases to support these claims. (EV)

In a stunning 5-4 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court has held that teachers and coaches who suffer reprisals for raising complaints regarding illegal sex discrimination against their students can sue their school districts for damages. This ruling is unprecedented with respect to Title IX enforcement and will likely alter how school officials handle…

This article describes and analyses the growing trend of teachers as mobile knowledge workers in the global labor market. According to the authors, the task of small countries of fulfilling the increasing demands of universal primary education under Education for All (EFA) is reaching crisis proportions. With a more flexible labor market, teacher…

It has been over ten years since the "Teacher's Law" took effect on January 1, 1994, and its promulgation and implementation have somewhat helped in protecting teachers' legal rights and interests. Undeniably, however, the "Teacher's Law" is defective in many aspects, such as the absence of teachers' legal identity, its failure…

Proceedings from a seminar in which 86 participants from 60 countries exchanged views on the relationship between the International Labour Office (ILO) and the World Confederation of Organizations of the Teaching Profession (WCOTP). Particular attention was devoted to the wide range of services provided in relation to trade union rights, the…

This synthesis of current attitudes on academic freedom as defined by lower court and Supreme Court cases describes the (1) framework in which academic freedom operates, (2) powers and limitations of state legislatures and school officials in defining the curriculum and setting policy, (3) rights and limitations of teachers in making curricular…

Reviews the recent history of the Fifth Amendment focusing primarily on its use by government officials during the Iran-Contra hearings and by teachers during the McCarthy era hearings. Concludes that social studies teachers must encourage discussion of the political and philosophical issues contained in the Iran-Contra hearings. (JDH)

Argues that teachers in America's school systems are not beneficiaries of "enhanced professionalism" but victims of processes which, in the name of reform, take away teachers' professional rights to make decisions about teaching. Describes the activities of groups of teacher-activists who are working to maintain the autonomy of teachers.…

Reviews four recent court decisions affecting school law. A Circuit Court of Appeals ruling upheld Norfolk Schools' decision to abolish busing and reinstate neighborhood schools. The United States Supreme Court dismissed appeals to lower court decisions involving a minimum grade prerequisite, a teacher's privacy rights, and an "adult"…

Dismissing a teacher for insubordination is usually acceptable to the courts when the teacher willfully defies reasonable and specific regulations and orders despite repeated and clear directives that such behavior must cease. (PGD)

Pointing out that increasing questions about and attacks on various methods used in teaching English language arts led to a 1994 National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) Resolution on the right to teach (reaffirmed in 1996) calling for the identification, definition, and defense of methods most often attacked, this brochure is the result of…

School boards may permit incumbent teacher unions access to mailboxes while prohibiting rival unions such access. Dissenting justices argued that exclusive access is discrimination and amounts to censorship and infringement of the First Amendment. School boards should consider carefully before granting exclusive access to incumbent unions. (PB)

Within Australia's complex labor relations system, federal law has gradually become dominant over state law. In the 1990s, the Australian High Court broadened workers' entitlements. In a 1995 case, teachers have become pivotal in the new industrial relations system. The federal law becomes more significant for unions and their members in seeking…

In what Carroll College president called "fiscally driven decisions," four professors failed to win tenure because they did not match "institutional needs." The decision caused great public outcry since each of the four professors excelled in teaching, research and service. What angered people most is that the college planned…

When conflicts arise between the call for information in the name of public interest and the teacher's right to privacy, teachers' privacy should be respected by school boards and administrators unless the teacher's private life impairs the fulfillment of professional responsibilities. (IAH)