A brief history of the concept of scientific crime prevention is outlined, and development of a college crime prevention program is discussed, including criteria for judging proposals that address a security threat; advantages and disadvantages of three prevention approaches (informational, mechanical, human); innovations; crime in the surrounding…

Last year, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit ruled in "Davis" that a student can sue for damages if school officials know a student is being sexually harassed but fail to intervene. (MLF)

Presents two case studies that illustrate the emerging strategies of school systems as they attempt to ensure the safety of youth online. The initial focus of creating a framework for Internet safety has emphasized the role of the schools since students have gained access to cyberspace in schools at a faster rate than in the home. (SLD)

Discusses initiation of school-based adolescent suicide response programs by reviewing recommended strategies and issues. Issues include program rationale, responsibilities of schools and teachers, and concerns about the impact of programs. Strategies include using appropriate instructional principles, maintaining systemic/ecological focus,…

Under existing laws, the federal and some state and local agencies can hold current real estate owners liable for cleaning up property contaminated with hazardous wastes. This applies whether the property is purchased or comes as a gift. Schools should develop hazardous-gift policies and investigation procedures. (MSE)

Children are becoming a luxury (or an economic liability) for postmodern parents. For some parents, child rearing is a recreational activity ranking low on the priority list. As parents abrogate more responsibilities to the schools, society will have to allocate more funds for education. Even teens and college students need more adult-organized…

Court rulings have established three basic responsibilities school systems must meet in science programs: (1) inform students about the hazards they might encounter in a science class; (2) provide a safe learning environment and properly maintained equipment; and (3) ensure adequate supervision. Outlines a four-point school safety plan. (MLF)

The extent to which college and universities can be held liable for student injuries during extracurricular activities is discussed based on negligence claims. Court reluctance to impose liability on institutions and the underlying policy considerations are examined. (MSE)

A discussion of the testing of new drugs in campus medical facilities reviews the process of federal approval of investigational new drugs, analyzes the implications of the federally mandated institutional review board, and the issues of informed consent and the ethics of human-subject research on campus. (MSE)

Examines the defenses of contributory negligence and assumption of risk for protection from liability for school athletic injuries. Advises school personnel to adhere to court decisions that define what schools owe their athletic team participants: (1) instruction; (2) supervision; (3) equipment; (4) medical treatment; and (5) selection and…

Reviews two cases before the U.S. Supreme Court that could have important ramifications for public schools and higher education. The High Court must decide whether a government agency may require its employees to take a drug test and whether state and local government employees may be sued for damages if failure to act caused injury to an innocent…

Violence against children is increasing; so is random student violence and disruptive behavior in classrooms. Instead of fortifying their gates, schools must teach children alternatives to violence and how to make better choices. A "humane highway" can be constructed by reducing cynicism, welcoming all students, replacing reward- and…

Laws governing university ownership of paleontological specimens and resources, and attempts by the federal government to claim ownership, are discussed. A 1993 court case and its implications for universities are reviewed; and current statutes, regulations, and proposed legislation are examined. Guidelines for university paleontologists in…

This study investigated national public opinion on school health education and the implications for health-care reform initiatives. Telephone surveys of 1,005 adults nationwide indicated that the public at large believes in the importance of health education to reduce health problems among children, considering it the responsibility of parents and…

The fragmentation in many children's homes and neighborhoods is reflected in their schools. To reform the nation's urban schools, educators must find ways to take collective responsibility for students' performance over their entire school careers. Reorganization according to feeder-pattern clusters can help teachers from various school levels…