Clery’s October 1 Deadline Has Passed. What Now?
Pursuant to the Clery Act, institutions of higher education participating in Title IV programs are required to publish and distribute an Annual Security Report (and an Annual Fire Safety Report if the institution has on-campus student housing) by Oct. 1 each year. The report must include 50+ statements of policy,...
What You Need to Know About FERPA
FERPA is probably the most widely misunderstood law relating to education. Online faculty members and administrators need to get the real story on FERPA so they understand what is and is not allowed.
How to Build a Threat Assessment Team on Campus
The list of potential risks and threats a university or college campus may face is quite long and complex. Threat assessment teams can facilitate the process of managing these threats, handling the decision-making process, and developing a supportive and proactive campus culture. Every team should be developed with the goal...
More than Words: Looking at the Context of Consent
Voluntary consent is a core tenet of all discussions concerning sexual activity. Looking at the context of consent means looking at the big picture: the effect your relationship might have on giving consent, situations where consent might be invalid, and certain responsibilities partners must uphold in establishing voluntary consent.
Six Practical Solutions for Racial Tensions on Campus
Almost five years ago, the Department of Education issued its “Dear Colleague” letter on Title IX and sexual violence. The letter was a not-so-subtle reminder that Title IX requires federally funded educational institutions to prevent sexual harassment and violence. After that, the day-to-day work of many higher education attorneys and...
Consumer Liability 101: Six Areas to Watch, Part II
While state consumer protection laws vary, there are certain defenses to liability that are common enough—and powerful enough—that all schools should be familiar with them. These defenses are (i) preserving and protecting your educational mission; (ii) acting in accordance with regulatory requirements; and (iii) for state schools, preserving and protecting...
Consumer Liability 101: 6 Areas to Watch, Part I
Students considering litigation against colleges and universities have powerful legal tools at their disposal: state consumer protection laws. These laws were designed to empower states and consumers to bring claims against companies that act unfairly or deceptively. Although the requirements of these laws vary from state to state, most allow...
Understanding the Fisher Decision
Two months ago, in Fisher v. University of Texas, the United States Supreme Court gave a lukewarm endorsement of the University of Texas’ affirmative action program geared to attracting more students of color. Suffice it to say that the Court’s decision is limited to student admissions and the very specific...
Freedom of Speech Issues: A Legal Primer for Academic Leaders
Today’s college campus is a laboratory for the US Constitution’s First Amendment provision declaring that government may not “abridge” a citizen’s individual rights with respect to five related freedoms: religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition. Public colleges and universities must honor these rights and protect them, but private institutions are...
