From their founding, American colleges have emphasized the character of college life as an important element in learning. This article reviews some elements of the historical roots of student discipline, surveys recent judicial decisions related to disciplinary rules and procedures, and suggests the ways in which different institutions could shape…

Analysis of data from 4,692 school districts from the 1992 census of the Office for Civil Rights finds that African American boys are subjected to physical discipline in school at excessive rates, and that a black child is more than three times as likely to be hit by a teacher. (SLD)

Case law authorizes colleges and universities to extend their jurisdiction to off-campus student misconduct, though not to off-campus political activity. This article asks: Under what circumstances is the assertion of jurisdiction in this regard consistent with institutional mission? (Author/KW)

The controversial discipline provisions of the 1997 Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) are examined. It is suggested the provisions may serve to encourage systemic reform capable of dramatically affecting the educational and postsecondary careers of students with emotional or behavioral disorders and may assist in curbing…

An effort to increase the implementation of effective instructional methods of school discipline and the promising results from the first year of implementation of the Safe and Responsive Schools Project are described. Results provide some evidence that school discipline need not be equated with punishment and exclusion. (Contains references.)…

Summarizes broadly representative research and promising practices in school systems aimed at reducing discipline problems and school crime. Advises that disciplinary strategies and procedures should be developed in collaboration with school staff and students and be administered fairly and consistently. (15 references) (MLF)

In "Bethel," the Supreme Court essentially extended the reach of the ordinary discipline code to serve objectives that are part of the perceived educational mission. Citizenship of students is as important to the education process as academic concerns, according to recent decisions. (seven references) (MLF)

Institutions that have adopted anti-harassment plans have taken one of two approaches: some penalize students for verbally or physically attacking other students, while others prohibit students from engaging in any kind of offensive behavior, regardless of whether it is directed at an individual. (MLW)

Institutional responsibility for hazing injuries was called into question in a Delaware Superior Court in the case of "Furek v. University of Delaware." In ruling in the university's favor, the court signaled that universities may move to eliminate hazing without unreasonable fear of creating institutional liability for hazing incidents.…

The Sixth Circuit Court approved an expulsion process even though the student was "convicted" on hearsay testimony alone and denied the opportunity to confront and cross-examine witnesses. The explanation and rationale for the court's orientation is viewed against prior case law. (MLF)

Recent court decisions concerning discipline of handicapped students are reviewed. The courts have not interpreted the Education for All Handicapped Children Act as unduly inhibiting traditional school discretion concerning minor infractions, but the legal intricacies of determining the relationship between handicap and misconduct makes expulsion…

College students drink more alcohol than the general population, and the nature of college life is a strong influence on students' drinking behavior. Reduction in student drinking behavior depends not only on establishment and enforcement of rules but also on education about the principles behind the policies. (MSE)

Ruben Perez, former assistant principal at Horace Mann Middle School in North Denver, achieved folk-hero status when he suspended 97 disruptive students on a single day. The school board reprimanded Perez for deviating from district discipline policy and transferred him to another middle school. Supported by disgruntled teachers, Perez is suing…

A survey of 138 chemistry, physics, psychology, and sociology department heads investigated the relationship between the administrator's graduate school department quality and the formality of sanctioning of colleagues for violating each of the four norms of science. The results and implications for professional socialization within disciplines…

A total of 76 children, ages 3 through 5, were asked to evaluate how preschool teachers should intervene in children's social and moral transgressions. Older preschoolers preferred explicit teacher explanations over punishment or nonintervention, whereas all preferred punishment over nonintervention. Younger girls preferred explanations for moral…