Because admissions directors at private colleges do not like to talk about affirmative action policies and practices and are not required to, they are often challenged and criticized. Some admissions officials feel data would be misread or distorted if released. (MSE)

In a case concerning the National Institutes of Health and Stanford University (California), a federal judge has ruled that government agencies cannot require researchers receiving federal funds to submit research results for review before release to the public. Such a preview is seen as threatening academic freedom. (MSE)

After four months of work, a national panel studying why colleges cost so much has reached the conclusion that American higher education is, for the most part, a bargain. Republicans originally asked the commission to focus on cost containment. The commission's membership is dominated by educators. Panel recommendations emphasize explaining to…