Reviews the Family Privacy Protection Act of 1995 and its potential impact on research and evaluation involving minors. Although this legislation was not passed, the issues related to both active and passive parental consent for the participation of minors in research are very much alive. (SLD)

Student prayer at school events, such as football games and graduation ceremonies, has spawned several contradictory circuit court decisions. A 2000 Supreme Court ruling against pregame prayer ("Santa Fe Independent School District v. Doe") reversed an 11th Circuit Court decision, with far-reaching effects on all student-initiated and…

The most overlooked facet of school construction is the dovetailing of permanent construction insurance and technology construction insurance. Advice is provided about technology and technology purchases, highlighting problems associated with costs, copyright infringements, delivery delays, electrical wiring, hardware, student records, vendors,…

Describes court-imposed contact statutes that provide for enforceable post adoption contact between birth parents or relatives and the adoptee or adoptive parents. Compares statutes permitting courts to enforce post adoption contact agreements among the parties and court imposed post adoption contact agreements without regard to parties'…

Discusses objections in the library community to the Uniform Computer Information Transactions Act (UCITA), a legal framework being considered by state governments regarding computer information, transactions, and software. Topics include copyright issues; user needs for access to information; license agreements; and costs that may prevent…

Students are confused about sexual harassment restrictions in schools. Sexual harassment should be viewed as a civil rights violation or a form of social injustice. A whole-school approach demands that teachers plan for teachable moments through the curriculum, all staff receive adequate inservice training, and compassionate responses (referrals…

The authors debate whether institutions of higher learning should impose regulations or speech codes to ban sexually harassive speech believed to foster gender-based discrimination. Masters insists that narrowly crafted controls are necessary to make colleges and universities inviting to all. Dagley argues that speech codes are improper because…

The privacy aspect of e-mail is a touchy subject. "Erased" computer files can easily be restored with simple software. Some public agencies are required to retain backup files on computer data and information. E-mail might also be subject to freedom-of-information access, depending how a "record" or "document" is defined. Also, e-mail exchanges…

Concerned about President Clinton's "bully pulpit" endorsement of uniforms in public schools, an educator ponders their acceptance by fellow conservatives who allegedly abhor governmental intrusion into citizens' daily lives. Mandatory uniform policies will not dispel gang activity, banish economic distinctions, or create an academically serious…

In a Georgia case involving a strip-searched class of fifth- graders to locate some missing money ($26), a Federal Court judge concluded the searches were unreasonable. Although students won the constitutionality battle, they lost the war over liability and injunctive relief in a subsequent decision. (MLH)

Discusses the legal problems with racial and ethnic preferences in college admissions processes noting that there are only three possible goals that are legally "compelling" for the use of preferences: prophylactically to avoid discriminating, as remedial discrimination to make up for past discrimination, and to foster student diversity. (DB)

Protecting students from abuse is crucial for principals. However, false allegations can destroy a teacher's career and life. Principals can protect teachers by having a code of conduct, prohibiting false complaints, and providing training in prevention strategies. Teachers should avoid 10 risky behaviors. (Contains 11 references.) (MLH)

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act requires school districts to offer each student with disabilities a free and appropriate education (FAPE) in the least restricted environment. Circuit courts are split over FAPE damages. This article discusses cases where FAPE damages under IDEA have been denied and where they have been awarded. (MLH)

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)

Discusses the 1997 collapse of a balcony on a historic building at the University of Virginia, which resulted in a death and several injuries. Explores the balcony structure and cause of the collapse, any possibly preventative measures, and the resolution of legal proceedings resulting from the collapse. (EV)