Court OKs Student Fees
Mandatory student fees that support controversial programs at colleges and universities do not violate students’ free speech rights, according to a Supreme Court ruling March 22. Scott Southworth, the lead plaintiff and alumnus of the University of Wisconsin, complained that his fees supported groups he found objectionable, such as the International Socialists Organization and the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Campus Center (CT, Jan. 10, p. 74).
Reorganized LDS Gets New Name
The Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- day Saints (RLDS) has voted to change its name to Community of Christ. The new name failed to win approval at two previous RLDS meetings in 1996 and 1998. The church formed in 1860 under the leadership of Joseph Smith III, son of the Mormon church founder. It never adopted doctrines of polygamy, celestial marriage, or baptism of the dead (CT, Sept. 7, 1998, p. 40).
House Supports Abortion Ban
For the third time, the U.S. House has voted in favor of a ban against partial-birth abortion. The 287-141 vote count is enough to override a promised presidential veto by two votes. But the Senate also must hold a two-thirds majority to override a veto. It fell short by two votes last fall (CT, Dec. 6, 1999, p. 21). The Supreme Court will rule this session on a challenge to Nebraska’s ban on late-term abortions.
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