Homelessness is a growing problem in every part of the United States. Federal legislation requires state plans for educating homeless children, but will provide less than $23 per child. Summarizes some of the state plans and suggests steps school boards can take to provide homeless children with public education. (MLF)

Described are the dehumanizing conditions of Black underclass life and possible improvements through creation of re-educative therapeutic communities, termed "powerful environments." Powerful environments include expectations, psychological distancing from negative culture, positive social integration, staff leadership, peer power, work, and…

In Smith vs. Regents of the University of California, the California Supreme Court established new constitutional limitations on use of mandatory student fees. This article examines the Court's restriction of use of funds for ideological or controversial extracurricular programs and concludes that the distinction between educational and political…

A 1995 federal district court decision in Cohen versus Brown University, in which the university's entire intercollegiate sports program was found to violate Title IX of the 1972 Education Amendments prohibiting gender discrimination in programs receiving federal funds, is analyzed. Recent historical context, district court justifications, and…

The Public Health Service has issued regulations giving universities the primary responsibility for preventing financial conflicts of interest by government-supported researchers. The regulations, which require scientists to report to the university any financial interest relating to their research, are much less stringent than those proposed in…

Abstinence education is receiving increased attention as a way of preventing both teen pregnancy and risky sexual behavior. Effective sex education programs provide basic information about the risks of unprotected intercourse and also address the social influences on sexual behavior. Sidebars contain student comments. (MLF)

The issue of mandatory dental student consent to provision of clinical services by student colleagues is discussed, particularly when a student seeks to avoid mandatory treatment requirements or refuses treatment from an assigned student care provider, or is denied enrollment based on refusal to consent to treatment. Legal and policy…

This article discusses the study of educational history as it helps develop certain habits of thought, examining related questions (what the goals defining school curricula should be, what educational experiences schoolchildren need to be ready for adult activities, and how schools can meet the common and individual needs of students). (SM)

Review of the literature and litigation concerning students in college foreign study programs suggests institutions must take precautions to ensure student safety abroad. Areas of liability include transportation, supervision, terrorism. Precautions include provisions for program cancellation, staff and student education and awareness, contingency…

By purchasing locally grown foods, Hendrix College (Arkansas) has found it can offer better nutrition, cut environmental damage, and spur economic development. The Local Food Project has reduced the amount of food purchased out of state from 90-70 percent, and is aiming for 50 percent in three years. Student participation is integral. (Author/MSE)

The problems presented by alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use and abuse among college students are varied and sometimes complex. College student health services should continue to take a leadership role in addressing substance abuse issues on campus, through efforts to change both behavior and environment. (MSE)

Whether law schools should remain institutionally neutral concerning fundamental political and moral issues facing society is examined. The discussion looks at the purposes of the university in the modern world, the core of knowledge needing preservation, areas of inquiry no longer valid, new priorities for inquiry, and faculty role. (MSE)

Changes in immigration patterns bring problems and opportunities to higher education. New federal law significantly changes the ethnic and skills mix of the immigrant pool. Issues emerging include potential brain drain; pressure for curriculum change; language as a barrier to access; and the rights of illegal immigrants to higher education. (MSE)

Forces raising the cost of higher education will not disappear even in a stronger economy. Most research universities will be faced with balancing the scope of their individual commitments and the nature of their relationship with other institutions with advancement of knowledge and education at the highest levels. (MSE)

Provides the following explanations for the failure of drug education programs: (1) programs send confusing and dangerous messages; (2) the power of the media negates almost totally everything programs try to accomplish; and (3) drug education efforts are fragmented. Discusses how to correct these problems. (JS)