Last October, the Michigan Legislature passed the Save Our Students Act, which mandates certain requirements for school districts in an effort to prevent youth suicide and facilitate student access to supports. Included in the law is a requirement that, effective October 15, 2021, school districts that offer any of grades 6-12 and that issue identification […]

After the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) held a virtual public hearing on Title IX, it published a questions-and-answers (Q&A) resource to provide clarification to schools under the current regulations. The resource sheds some light on general obligations, the definition of sexual harassment, and the process of handling cases and responding to […]

Miller Johnson employment attorneys Rebecca Strauss and Sarah Willey are joined by fellow Miller Johnson attorney, Matt O’Rourke, to discuss what we know so far about President Biden’s proposed plan to offer federal paid time off for family and medical leave. For employers who now have remote workers in other states, they also discuss Miller […]

Earlier this month, the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit published its decision in Ison v. Madison Local School District Board of Education, addressing the censorship of offensive or critical speech at a public meeting involving a public body or its members.  The court opined that prohibiting speech simply because it may […]

Miller Johnson employment attorneys Rebecca Strauss and Sarah Willey are joined by Miller Johnson colleague, Nate Plantinga, to discuss the tricky nature of dealing with employees who want to express strong opinions on politics and other hot button issues. You can also listen to this and future episodes by subscribing to “The Lawyers Off the […]

Last week, the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit released its decision in Perez v. Sturgis Pub. Schools, No. 20-1076, a case involving a student’s claim for relief under both the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The case solidifies the importance of the requirement […]

Last week, families of Ann Arbor Public Schools (AAPS) sued the school district, the Michigan Department of Education (MDE), and Washtenaw Intermediate School District (WISD), claiming special education services to which their children were entitled were not adequately provided during the pandemic. Specifically, the action contains assertions that four AAPS students between the ages of […]

Attorneys Bob Schindler, Kevin Sutton and Cathy Tracey discussed a trifecta of important topics for public school clients in this webinar. First, they discussed the latest Michigan COVID 19 regulations and what they mean for schools. Second, they tackled the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Mahanoy Area School District v. B.L. and what the decision […]

On Monday, the United States Supreme Court denied certiorari in Grimm v. Gloucester County School Board, a case involving a transgender student – Gavin Grimm – who was banned from using the school restrooms consistent with his gender identity.  Justices Thomas and Alito would have granted certiorari and would have heard the case, but they […]

Miller Johnson employment attorneys Rebecca Strauss and Sarah Willey discuss some of the tricky rules employers need to remember with the complex relationship that comes with using workers from temp agencies. You can also listen to this and future episodes by subscribing to “The Lawyers Off the Clock” podcast on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts