(1983). The Legal Situation of Women in Latin America and the Caribbean Defined according to the Resolutions and Mandates of the United Nations System. Volume I: Basis, Proposals, Methodology, and Information Analysis. This document describes the basis, proposals, methodology, and informational analyses of a study on the resolutions and mandates enacted by of the United Nations system which have a special concern for the legal situation of women in Latin America and the Caribbean. It includes both resolutions (conventions) which constitute international legislation, and those resolutions and mandates which merely orient the actions of governments. Specific aspects of the legal situation of women which go beyond the limit of this study are proposed for future considerations and research. Recommendations call for the dissemination of information, research and review among the United Nations member states in general and the governments of the region in particular on the legal status of women, and actions designed to promote the legal equality of women according to principles contained in resolutions and mandates emanating from the United Nations system. Notes and a three-page bibliography are…

Clark, Kenneth (1984). Educational Trends and U.S. Commitments Since the Brown Decision. The Supreme Court's landmark Brown decision changed the total pattern of race relations in the United States and helped to solidify the foundations of American democracy for the benefit of all Americans. Ironically, although the specific issue which resulted in the Brown decision was concerned with the constitutionality of racially segregated public schools, the beneficial consequences have been more pervasive and pronounced in aspects of society other than the field of public education. The effects of the Brown decision on education form an inconsistent pattern: segregated schools continue to exist, and seem to be proliferating, especially in the North; a biracial system of higher education persists in the South; and the most racially desegregated area of higher education is varsity athletics. It is clear that the pattern of resistance to any genuine compliance with the Brown decision is pervasive and formidable. As a whole, educators have defaulted in helping society to understand…

Smith, Eleanor (1984). Before and After Brown: Education Context of Change. This paper discusses the educational experiences of blacks before and after the Brown decision of 1954. During slavery religious organizations, sympathetic whites, and blacks themselves led the effort toward literacy for slaves. Following the Civil War, blacks initially made great strides in establishing educational opportunities. By 1877, white supremacy was renewed, along with the promise to provide \separate but equal\ school facilities. New constitutional interpretations and statutory laws institutionalized segregation and discrimination. For the next 100 years, the primary responsibility for black education fell again into the hands of individuals and private societies. Most black colleges founded during this time offered education in the liberal arts, and the striking successes of these schools led many to struggle to maintain them after the Brown decision. Some of the effects of this decision on curriculum, enrollment, and educational policy are described. Improving the…

(1988). Indian Affairs: Statistical Data on Indian Rights Cases Handled by Justice. Fact Sheet for the Honorable Harry Reid, U.S. Senate. This fact sheet was written in response to a Senatorial request for information that would quantify litigation costs, in time and money, associated with federal efforts to defend and promote the rights of American Indians from 1982 through 1987. Costs incurred on behalf of Alaskan Natives were to be excluded in the report. It was found that for fiscal years 1982 through 1987, the Indian Resources Section of the Justice Department spent about $5.1 million to carry out its mission of litigating Indian rights cases. Of that amount, about $3.9 million was for personnel compensation and benefits while the remaining $1.2 million was for other expenses. The funds supported approximately 10 attorneys and 4 staff members each year, or 84,638 staff hours on 654 cases for the 6-year period. The information is contained in a response letter and in several statistical tables showing data on Indian Rights cases handled by Justice's Indian Resources Section. The tables show numbers and status of… [PDF]

Innocenti, Mark S. (1987). Parent Handbook. Preschool Transition Project. The sample parent handbook contains handouts used with a series of four meetings in which parents of preschool handicapped children learn how to be their child's advocate. The first meeting is on Testing and the Individualized Education Program (IEP) and includes: "Evaluation Responsibilities,""Questions You May Want To Ask,""Some Things Parents Should Know about Testing,""Suggestions for the IEP conference," and "Types of Educational Placement." Meeting 2 is on legal rights and the IEP process. Handouts include: "You and One Four Two! Public Law 94-142,""A Checklist for an Individualized Education Plan,""Evaluation, Placement, and Due Process under Public Law 94-142 and Section 504," and "Education" (chapter from "Legal Rights Handbook"). The third meeting features other parents of handicapped children with such handouts as: "Negotiating the System,""Checklist: Parent… [PDF]

(1987). Alternative Reproductive Technologies: Implications for Children and Families. Hearing before the Select Committee on Children, Youth, and Families. House of Representatives, One Hundredth Congress, First Session (May 21, 1987). A hearing was held for the purpose of receiving testimony about alternative reproductive technologies and their implications for children, families, and society. Testimony provided: (1) a comparison of in vitro fertilization and gamete intrafallopian transfer, and trends in in vitro fertilization; (2) a summary of definitions, statistics, and the human and financial costs of infertility; (3) an argument for addressing underlying social causes of infertility; (4) a discussion of the Vatican's position on the human dignity of the child and the integrity of marriage and the family, and application of these principles to federal policy on in vitro fertilization; (5) an exploration of the implications of married couples' rights to reproduce coitally in relation to rights of infertile couples to use noncoital techniques to procreate; (6) recommendations for state and federal legislation; (7) a consideration of the role of federal and state laws and how they should develop in relation to… [PDF]

Butler, Dee (1987). The Emergence of Women in West Virginia History: A Title IX Project for Social Studies. This booklet was designed to be used as a supplemental social studies unit and is divided into four sections. Section 1 profiles famous women of West Virginia including Aracoma, Nancy Hanks Lincoln, Mary Harris Jones, Susan Matilda Dew Hoff, Frances Benjamin Johnston, and Nancy Hart Douglas. Section 2, profiles contemporary women in West Virginia including Fannie Cobb Carter, Pearl Sydenstricker Buck Walsh, Mildred Bateman, Phyllis Smith Curtin Cook, Virginia Mae Brown, and Joanne LaCoque Haymes Ireland Pierose. Classroom activities for teaching about these women are outlined in section 3, along with sample tests. Resources for the study of famous women in West Virginia are also presented. Section 4 provides 1980 statistics on women in West Virginia, including female population characteristics, total degrees conferred by West Virginia institutions of higher education, percentage of degrees conferred by area, and annual median income by sex and race. A 14-item bibliography is… [PDF]

Steenland, Sally (1987). Prime Time Power: Women Producers, Writers and Directors on TV. This report analyzes the number of women working in the following six decision making jobs in prime time television: (1) executive producer; (2) supervising producer; (3) producer; (4) co-producer; (5) writer; and (6) director. The women who hold these positions are able to influence the portrayal of women on television as well as to improve the number of women hired in other positions. Data were gathered from the 20 top-ranked television programs as defined by the Nielsen ratings for the 1986-87 season. The statistics provide both a snapshot of each television program's employment profile, as well as a larger view of the number of women working in key jobs on prime time television programs. Interviews were also conducted with producers, writers, directors, and network and studio executives in Hollywood and New York. The views of these executives are expressed throughout the report. The data showed: (1) only four of the top-rated television programs (20%) employ female executive…

Tedford, Thomas L. (1987). Freedom of Speech: A Selected, Annotated Basic Bibliography. Restricted to books on freedom of speech, this annotated bibliography offers a list of 38 references pertinent to the subject. Also included is a list of 18 ERIC documents on freedom of speech, and information on how to order them. (JC)… [PDF]

(1981). Education for the Handicapped: What Is the Appropriate Federal Role?. IFG Policy Notes, v2 n1 Win. This series of short articles discusses two separate educational policy issues: the federal role in education for the handicapped and tuition tax credits. Concerning the first issue, the document discusses the background of P.L. 94-142 and its first 5 years, concluding that, although accomplishments are impressive, there are still difficulties in implementing the reform. It is suggested that the law has meant improvement in substandard districts but has sometimes had depressing effects in progressive districts. Several brief articles on education of the handicapped then follow, focusing on the issues confronting policy makers in the eighties, the fairness of "fair hearings," the costs of equity, problems with and prospects for implementation of the mandated reform, and the history of special education. Concerning the second issue, tuition tax credits, the document briefly discusses whether they will be a federal priority for the eighties. The author outlines how tuition… [PDF]

(1985). Parents Can Be the Key to an Appropriate Education for Their Handicapped Child = Niam Txiv Muaj Peev Xwm Yog Tus Yawm Sij Rau Txoj Kev Kawm Ntawv Rau Nkawv Tus Menyuam Xiam Oos Qhab. The booklet presents, in English and Hmong (Southeast Asia), answers to questions concerning the rights of handicapped children and their parents. Topics addressed include a summary of changes brought about as a result of federal court decisions as well as state and federal laws, types of eligible disabilities, ages of eligibility, assessment procedures and parent role in assessment, the Individualized Education Program (IEP), related services, components of a good IEP, parent involvement in IEP, the planning process in special education, due process hearings, mediation, good communication between parents and schools, the parent's role as advocate, and Minnesota state resources for handicapped children and Families. (CL)…

Deloria, Vine, Jr. (1973). Indian Treaties A Hundred Years Later. Education Journal of the Institute for the Development of Indian Law, 2, 4, 14-17, Nov 73. …

Sponseller, Edwin H. (1976). Legal Aspects Concerning Teachers' First Amendment Rights of Freedom of Speech and Expression within the Public School Classroom. This study discusses the extent to which the First Amendment rights of freedom of speech and expression apply to teachers in the public schools. A historical perspective of the First Amendment rights of educators is provided; techniques of standard legal research were used to establish the primary sources of law. Investigation, which focuses on the period after the 1969 "Tinker" decision, culminated in four major conclusions: Between 1970 and 1974, the courts expanded protection for teachers in their use of "questionable" utterances and grooming habits. (Challenged and found to be unprotected were the rights of teachers to ignore dress codes and to proselytize in the classroom.) Courts also extended protection for teachers determining classroom procedures and instructional methods–especially with regard to the discussion of controversial issues. In addition, teachers must now be given clear guidelines illustrating what types of speech and expression are…

Reams, Bernard D., Jr., Ed.; Wilson, Paul E., Ed. (1975). Segregation and the Fourteenth Amendment in the States: A Survey of State Segregation Laws 1865-1953; Prepared for United States Supreme Court in re: Brown vs. Board of Education of Topeka. The school segregation cases, generally cited as Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, 347 U.S. 483 (1954) were first argued in the Supreme Court of the United States in December, 1952. On June 8, 1953, six months after the first arguments and nearly a year prior to the decision, the Supreme Court ordered that the cases be re-argued in the October 1953 term (345 U.S. 972). The Court propounded a series of questions and requested counsel to discuss these questions in their briefs and oral argument. The purpose of this was to determine whether the Congress which submitted the Fourteenth Amendment, and the State legislatures and conventions which ratified it, regarded the Amendment as abolishing separation of the races in public schools. The data assembled in that project provide the basis for this survey, state by state, of each state's answers to the questions posed by the Court. (Author/MC)…

Nolte, M. Chester (1975). School Boards: Your Authority Has Just Been Restricted; School Board Members: Your Security Has Just Been Threatened. American School Board Journal, 162, 4, 33-35, Apr 75. Discusses the U.S. Supreme Court's recent ruling in the Strickland case that school board members must know the \basic, unquestioned constitutional rights\ of all students and that individual board members may be liable to damage suits filed by students whose rights have been violated. (JG)…

Burgess, William V.; Clarke, Richard C. (1975). Cultural Diversity, the Law, and Teacher Education. California Journal of Teacher Education, 2, 3, 43-8, Win 75. …

Weimer, Karl J. (1969). Citizenship Education. Clearing House, 43, 6, 355-357, 69 Feb. …

Gould, Ronald (1969). Education and Human Rights. Nat Elem Princ, 48, 3, 33-40, 69 Jan. This article is based on a speech to the Assembly of the World Confederation of Organizations of the Teaching Profession (17th, Dublin, Ireland, July 23, 1968)….

Des Jardins, Charlotte; And Others (1980). How to Get Services by Being Assertive. For Parents of Handicapped Children and Their Helpers. The handbook presents exercises to help parents of handicapped children become more assertive in securing services for their children. An introductory section explains the basic premises of the handbook: (1) that parents are equal partners with professionals; (2) that parents are the authority on their child; and (3) that parents have 10 specific rights, including rights to question decisions regarding their child and to make mistakes without feeling guilty. Assertive and nonassertive behaviors are contrasted. A second section is devoted to developing positive attitudes while eliminating negative ones, and contains chapters with titles such as \How to Get Rid of the Shakes and Put Punch in Your Speeches\ and \How to Put Down the Put Down.\ The third section, on assertiveness at special education meetings, discusses the parents' role in individualized education program meetings and due process hearings. Assertiveness exercises follow which focus on dealing with the bureaucracy…

Low, Harry W. (1978). Asians in the Mainstream. Keynote Address. In order for Asians to progress in American society, they must commit themselves to total participation in the mainstream of the culture while preserving their own special cultural identity. Asian unity in strategies for civil and cultural advancement at the local level must not become clouded by excessive involvement in international politics. With unity, such as that provided by the Northern California Asian Leadership Council to increase interchange among Asian leaders, the influence and impact of Asians will increase. However, Asians must become less politically apathetic and must involve themselves in elections and in such groups as the Chinese for Affirmative Action and the various Asian professional groups. Asians must also join with other minority groups with similar interests to combat poverty, discrimination, urban problems, legislative injustice, and educational and employment inequalities. Asian groups must make sure that strong affirmative action policies are not only…

Gonzalez, Josue M. (1978). Title VII ESEA and "Lau v. Nichols" Compliance: Towards an Articulated Approach. Draft. The Supreme Court's decision in "Lau v. Nichols," Title VII of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, and other related federal legislation are all directed toward promotion of equal educational opportunity for children whose primary language is not English. These efforts are not well-coordinated by the federal agencies charged with overseeing bilingual educational opportunity programs, which are rarely either well-defined or well-monitored. A coordinated effort must be structured and jurisdiction assigned to appropriate agencies before the final details of an articulated program of cooperation can be worked out. First, funding sources should be connected under a single official, so that the various efforts are no longer seen as mere additions to other programs. Second, funding eligibility criteria relating to the "Lau" decision should be developed for districts seeking Title VII funds. Third, some requirements for receiving funds should be placed on the… [PDF]

Rothschild, Michael; Werden, Gregory J. (1979). Testing Cases under Title VII. This paper discusses Congressional and judicial attempts to deal with the problem of employment practices which lead to discriminatory outcomes but which may not be discriminatory in intent. The use of paper and pencil tests as standards for hiring and promotion is focused on as an example of this type of employment practice. An historical account of the passage of Title VII and a description of Federal court interpretations of the law are presented. The author states that although Title VII does not explicitly forbid employment practices which are discriminatory in effect if they are not discriminatory in intent, the courts have generally ruled that tests used as standards for hiring and promotion have a discriminatory impact and that firms must be able to prove that their tests bear a "manifest relationship to the employment in question." It is found that, in the majority of cases, courts have rejected respondents' attempts to prove the validity of their testing… [PDF]

BRAIN, GEORGE B.; And Others (1963). SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENTS CONFERENCE ON THE PRACTICAL PROBLEMS OF PUBLIC SCHOOL DESEGREGATION. THE PURPOSE WAS TO CLARIFY THE ROLE OF THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS IN MITIGATING THE EFFECTS OF DE FACTO SEGREGATION. EFFORTS WERE MADE TO IDENTIFY POSSIBLE GUIDELINES FOR STUDY, BASIC AREAS OF CONFLICT OR DISAGREEMENT, AND SOME POSSIBLE COURSES OF ACTION. THREE GROUPS WERE REPRESENTED AT THE CONFERENCE–A GROUP OF SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENTS, A GROUP REPRESENTING FEDERAL AGENCIES, AND A GROUP OF NEGRO LEADERS. FEDERAL ORGANIZATION REPRESENTATIVES EXPLAINED THEIR ROLE AS INSTIGATING AND UNDERWRITING RESEARCH, PROVIDING NEW LEGISLATION, AND EVENLY APPLYING LAWS PREVIOUSLY PASSED. THEY ALSO NOTED THAT RACE PROBLEMS COULD NOT BE SOLVED WITHOUT SOLVING SCHOOL PROBLEMS. NEGRO REPRESENTATIVES FELT THAT A BASIC UNDERSTANDING AND COMMITMENT WAS MISSING IN THE ATTEMPTS TO PROVIDE RACIAL EQUALITY IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS. THE NAACP URGED THE ABOLITION OF THE NEIGHBORHOOD SCHOOL, THE CREATION OF LARGE EDUCATIONAL PARKS, AND A DEFINITE STAEMENT OF POLICY BY THE LOCAL SCHOOL BOARDS. THESE ADMINISTRATIVE AREAS SHOULD…

Akbar, Na'im (1980). Desegregation in the 80's: Concerns and Challenges for Public Education. The underlying reason for the failure of United States schools to provide equal educational opportunity to black children can be found in the Brown v Board of Education decision, which was unwanted and written from the perspective that blacks are an inferior group. This discriminatory basis has caused resistance to school desegregation economically, politically, and socially. Statistics demonstrate that reluctant integration has resulted in a loss of role models and leadership positions within schools for black students. Change will be effected only if the underlying assumption that differences imply superior and inferior groups is abandoned. Americans should reaffirm their respect for human dignity and recommit themselves to American principles of the equality and inalienable rights of all human beings. (MK)… [PDF]

Anrig, Gregory R. (1979). State Leadership in School Desegregation. Regardless of the lack of racial justice in housing and employment, American democracy cannot tolerate discrimination in its public schools if it is to honor its traditions as a country. State bodies must make clear their position on school desegregation and establish that desegregation is wrong legally and educationally. Sanction must be imposed upon those who attempt to avoid desegregation after due process establishes a violation. There must be technical assistance to design and analyze desegregation plans. Financial incentives must be provided in the form of special State aid for desegregation plans. There is a need to promote the educational value of giving urban children and children in suburban school districts mutual opportunities to know and learn with children of another race or background. State assistance with problems of racial or ethnic imbalance in public schools must be provided and quality integrated education must be provided once desegregation is accomplished. The…

(1978). A Working Woman's Guide To Her Job Rights. Leaflet 55. This leaflet presents general information about legislation that affects women when they are seeking a job, while they are on the job, and when they retire. Emphasis is on Federal laws as of November, 1978. Some of the topics include employment services, protection against sex and age discrimination, minimum wages and overtime pay, discrimination in promotion, joining or not joining a union, and social security benefits. Also included is a list of sources to use when assistance from State or Federal agencies is necessary, as well as sample complaint forms. (PJC)… [PDF]

(1976). The Continuing Effort for Women's Rights. UNESCO Features, No. 697. Interviews with five women prominent in their countries are presented in this newsletter. The topic is the progress of women in achieving equal rights and opportunities. The five women talked about how they see women's situation and future in their respective countries. Interviewed were an Indian economist, an English educationalist, a Senegalese nutritionist, a French lawyer, and a Ghanaian professor of linguistics. (JD)…

Lovin, Robin W. (1978). Rights to What? A Brief Look at \Affirmative Discrimination.\. The movement to undo the damage of American racism and to establish the conditions for genuine racial equality has lost its momentum, both in the academic community and in the Congress. The prevailing academic caution with regard to busing and affirmative action is best articulated by Nathan Glazer in his book \Affirmative Discrimination,\ which details the problems inherent in equal opportunity programs. His argument centers around the idea that quotas, racial percentages, and group rights not only discriminate against the individual, but are also un-American. Although the rights of individuals are important, individualism alone cannot provide the basis for institutional changes necessary to eradicate the effects of past discrimination and set the stage for genuine equality in the future. To end discrimination, we need women and minorities in positions of power, competence and control, not because these positions represent opportunities for individuals, but because this is the best…

Barbour, Alton, Ed. (1975). Free Speech Yearbook, 1974. A collection of essays on free speech and communication is contained in this book. The essays include "From Fairness to Access and Back Again: Some Dimensions of Free Expression in Broadcasting"; "Local Option on the First Amendment?"; "A Look at the Fire Symbol Before and After May 4, 1970"; "Freedom to Teach, to Learn, and to Speak: Rhetorical Considerations"; "Julian Bond: A Case Study in a Legislator's Freedom of Speech"; "Philosophical Assumptions Underlying Plato's Theory of Freedom of Speech: A Comparison with the Theory of Democratic Individualism"; "The Watergate Scandal and the Mass Media: The Early Phases"; "On Citizenship and Technocracy"; "The Supreme Court and the First Amendment: 1973-1974"; and "Freedom of Speech Bibliography: July 1973-June 1974." (TS)… [PDF]

(1974). The New Haven Department of Education Affirmative Action Plan 1974. The New Haven public schools affirmative action report contains statements of purpose, policy, and responsibility in conjunction with a plan of action to ensure that job applicants and employees receive fair consideration without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. The goals and timetables established will rectify underutilization of minorities, and women and will be subject to periodic evaluation. (Author/DW)… [PDF]