Legal / Courts

Is restorative justice for sexual misconduct cases effective?

Advocates say the method reduces financial costs and addresses due process concerns of the accused. But critics contend it can do more harm than good.

By James Paterson • Sept. 19, 2018

A professor's contract not renewed after she criticized changes in campus mental health services

She and others criticized Florida Polytechnic University over reducing on-campus mental health services at the time of a student suicide.

By James Paterson • Sept. 17, 2018

Ed Department reopens case alleging discrimination against Jewish Rutgers students

The 2011 case will be reviewed as discrimination against an ethnic group, which could cause Zionism opponents to face stricter civil rights enforcement.

By James Paterson • Sept. 14, 2018

500th lawsuit filed against Michigan State over Larry Nassar sexual abuse claims

One of the lawsuits alleges the university knew about the disgraced sports doctor's behavior five years earlier than previously thought.

By James Paterson • Sept. 13, 2018

Critics say looser sexual misconduct rules won't save colleges money

The federal policy shift designed to reduce the number of cases — and the amount colleges spend on investigating them — may not accomplish its objectives, experts say.

By James Paterson • Sept. 13, 2018

Wisconsin student files free speech lawsuit over distributing Bible verses

The student was barred from passing out Valentine's Day notes containing religious passages at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College's student union. 

By James Paterson • Sept. 07, 2018

Arizona court strikes Invest in Ed initiative from November ballot

The setback to public school advocates and teachers is due to what some may consider a technicality. 

By Christina Vercelletto • Aug. 31, 2018

Study: HBCUs pay more to issue debt, and racial bias could be to blame

The researchers controlled for several factors including, credit rating, bond amount, bank quality and college ranking.

By Halona Black • Aug. 24, 2018

Mississippi commissioner: No status change needed for state's HBCUs

Alfred Rankins Jr. said merging, closing or consolidating one of the state's three HBCUs with a predominately white institution is a last resort.

By Halona Black

Colleges move to limit sexual assault by campus doctors

Institutions are imposing new controls on health services and personnel in order to better inform students of their rights.

By James Paterson • Aug. 09, 2018

Should those accused of sexual harassment be allowed to question their accusers?

The outcome of a University of Michigan hearing could have national implications on emerging case law. 

By Halona Black

Do free speech issues on campus only stifle conservatives?

A report finds there may not be as many incidents of discrimination around free speech issues, with only 60 cited during the past two years.

By James Paterson • Aug. 07, 2018

Do campus free speech issues only stifle conservatives?

An analysis finds there are not many cases where speech is limited and that the incidents may equally affect both sides.

By James Paterson • Aug. 07, 2018

Colleges responding to Trump's immigration crackdown

Community colleges, in particular, are worried, and are making policy changes to protect vulnerable undocumented students.

By James Paterson • Aug. 03, 2018

DeVos to kill second for-profit college regulation

Obama-era "gainful employment" rule requiring graduates of for-profit institutions to find suitable jobs will likely be dropped by Education Secretary Betsy DeVos.

By James Paterson • July 30, 2018

Conflict over campus carry and free speech grows

University of Texas president says he supports free speech by faculty members, but is on the opposite side in lawsuit about how it relates to carrying guns on campus.

By James Paterson • July 27, 2018

Prepare and respond quickly to embarrassing incidents, experts say

Citadel officials recall how they handled controversy with an immediate, truthful message and action.

By James Paterson • July 26, 2018

No marijuana on campus — even for medicinal use

Like other institutions nationwide, Redlands Community College is r​eluctant to allow the drug on site, even if it's been prescribed by a doctor.

By James Paterson • July 26, 2018

Court rules New Mexico fails to provide an adequate public education

The court gives the state until April 2019 to take concrete steps towards the court mandate, but the state said it plans to appeal the ruling.

By Christina Vercelletto • July 26, 2018

Are students' constitutional rights being violated when they can't read at grade level?

While literacy is clearly essential to a productive, successful life, courts have ruled it is not explicitly guaranteed. 

By Christina Vercelletto • July 23, 2018

U of Illinois Chicago campus to acquire nearby law school

UI is adding the historic John Marshall Law School, but some critics are concerned that law school enrollments nationwide are dropping.

By James Paterson • July 23, 2018

Philadelphia institution to offer graduate-level marijuana therapy programs

Thomas Jefferson University is starting two evidence-based certifications in medical marijuana this fall and another one next year.

By James Paterson • July 17, 2018

Summer Reading: Tips for strategically managing free speech on campus

A roundup of ideas and insights that can help institutions toe the line between upholding the First Amendment and protecting their business models. 

By Jean Dimeo • July 13, 2018