Public schools and school boards are under attack from the religious right. Cites the strategies of some of these organizations, including quotes from Robert Simonds, the leader of Citizens for Excellence in Education. Advises school boards to have explicit policies on the selection of textbooks and academic freedom; to involve parents; and to…

By law and example, school boards must govern within scope of Bill of Rights. Cites West Virginia State Board of Education v Barnette, in which Supreme Court in 1943 upheld two Jehovah's Witness children's right to refuse to participate in daily flag salute ceremony. Urges schools to teach students principles of democracy and also of individual…

Argues that United States is not "in decline," but is becoming the most influential nation in history. Cites U.S. military power, the universal language of English, the exporting of "direct culture," leadership in key industrial fields, highest per-capita income and standard of living in the world, and top-ranked universities…

Contains sections from Report B ( Choices'') of the Dayton Women's Rights Committee that made recommendations to the board of education and the superintendent for assuring female/male equality. Also cites statistics illustrating inconsistent and discriminatory practices in Chicago suburban school districts. (Author)

Cites a case involving a superintendent's cancellation of an objectionable school play and outlines how to make sure decisions about such matters will hold up in court. (JM)

Any restrictions on student dress must have a legitimate educational rationale. Standards of attire for school employees are also permissible. A dress-code policy that calls for reasonable restrictions and is enforced with common sense can create a better school environment. Restrictive measures can lead to costly lawsuits. Cites advantages of…