Higher Education Happenings is a complimentary newsletter published by our attorneys in the firm's higher education practice group.

In another reminder of the importance of understanding the legal limitations of workplace Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (“DEI”) initiatives, recent lawsuits and court decisions successfully challenged even the federal government’s DEI initiatives to address and remedy historical discrimination

By Aaron J. Kacel Every June, Pride Month is a time to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community. In 2020, Pride Month was particularly momentous as the U.S. Supreme Court declared in…

In 2018, the Illinois legislature amended the Illinois Pension Code to add a requirement that the State Universities Retirement System (SURS) provide an optional defined contribution benefit to all eligible members of SURS (which is done through SURS employers).

In 2018, the Illinois legislature amended the Illinois Pension Code to add a requirement that the State Universities Retirement System (SURS) provide an optional defined contribution benefit to all eligible members of SURS (which is done through SURS employers).

On May 6, 2020, the U.S. Department of Education released its final Rules governing how higher education institutions must address allegations of sexual harassment under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (“Title IX”).

On May 6, 2020, the U.S. Department of Education released its final Rules governing how higher education institutions must address allegations of sexual harassment under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (“Title IX”).

On August 5, 2020, the Appellate Court in Better Government Association v. City of Chicago Office of Mayor, 2020 IL App (1st) 190038, held that text messages and emails that pertain to public business on personal devices or accounts of public officials may subject to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). The Appellate Court further held that defendants’ refusal to inquire with their respective officials as to whether their personal accounts contained responsive records was not reasonable. 2020 IL App (1st) 190038.

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (“Title IX”) rules, which go into effect on August 14, 2020, require significant revisions to school districts’ policies and grievance procedures, as well as training for district personnel who are involved in the Title IX investigation and grievance process. To assist your school district in preparing for implementation of the new Rules, our attorneys have developed a Toolkit of required forms and notices for use by districts in processing Title IX sexual harassment reports and complaints. Our team is also offering a comprehensive, three-hour in-service training for your school district Title IX personnel.

UPDATED Supply Kit: Our attorneys have developed a COVID-19 Return to Campus Supply Kit for higher education institutions as of November 23, 2020. The Supply Kit contains various forms, notices and other documents for use by higher education institutions.