Very recently the federal Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals {they cover cases in parts of Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and Tennessee} pushed back on the University of Michigan’s ‘Bias Response Team.’ That Court wrote that the application of Michigan’s efforts to embolden university bureaucratic bias cops with the power to investigate those accused of speech deemed […]
Knowing SB212 May Keep You Out of Jail
TO REPORT OR NOT REPORT? DOING ONE OR THE OTHER MAY KEEP YOU OUT OF JAIL! The 2019 Session of the Texas Legislature resulted in some surprising new laws. Senate Bill 212 was one of those new laws that will leave a lasting impact on all of Higher Education for some time to come. It […]
Preparing Your Client for a Deposition in a Family Law Case
Many attorneys will do anything they can to stay away from family law cases. However, from the to time, the client of even the most dedicated transactional attorney will get called as a third-party witness in a divorce. Depositions are not used in every family law case, but they can be effective tools, particularly when […]
“Food Fight!” What is Free Speech in a School?
Your child, niece, or nephew is sitting in the cafeteria at school, enjoying the company of their friends. Suddenly, someone yells “food fight!” in the back of the cafeteria. The cafeteria becomes a scene out of Animal House—food, drinks, and anything not battened down is being flung around the room. Obviously, detention will be handed […]
“If I get sued because I did my job – who represents me?”
In today’s litigious society it isn’t uncommon for university professors and staff to be sued along with their university employer. You can be {and oftentimes are} sued not only as an employee of the university, but also individually in the suit brought against the university. Also, quite often, when this happens, the university in-house counsel, […]
Shillinglaw v. Baylor, et al.
” COMES NOW, Plaintiff, Colin Shillinglaw, and files this Original Petition, complaining of Baylor University; Dr. David E. Garland; Reagan Ramsower; J. Cary Gray; Ronald Dean Murff; David Harper; Dr. Dennis R. Wiles; and Pepper Hamilton, LLP, and in support therof would respectfully show the Court as follows…” Read the Original Petition. Press Release.
Pregnancy and the Workplace
WWAG Attorney Baili Rhodes discussed issues surrounding Pregnancy in the Workplace with Texas Young Lawyers Association this week: “Whether you have had a baby, are thinking about having a baby, or simply work with someone who has had a baby, pregnancy in the workplace can be a hot topic. Just like employees, employers often do […]
#SCOTUS
The Supreme Court of the U.S. (#scotus) has been busy over the past several weeks. As you are likely aware, a number of the Opinions issued have made national headlines and started heated debates. If you are interested in what the Court “really said” in those opinions, you can read the text of them on […]
The Family Medical Leave Act
The Family Medical Leave Act (“FMLA”) is a federal statute that provides certain employees of qualified employers with leave related to a personal or family medical issue. Additionally, the FMLA prohibits an employer from retaliating against an employee for taking FMLA leave. Navigating the FMLA can be difficult; accordingly, we want to take this opportunity […]
Office of Civil Rights
Office of Civil Rights Q&A As faculty members, it is important to also understand some of the protections available to university students. The Office of Civil Rights (“OCR”) is a branch of the U.S. Department of Education whose mission is “to ensure equal access and to promote education excellence throughout the nation through vigorous enforcement […]
The information in these posts is intended to provide a general understanding of the law, not legal advice. Readers with legal problems, including those whose questions may be addressed here, should consult attorneys for advice on their particular circumstances.