Law Alerts
We cultivate a collaborative, inclusive culture where our team shares knowledge and stays informed on legal developments. We value diversity, as different perspectives strengthen our ability to solve problems and advocate effectively. Beyond our legal services, we prioritize building relationships through internal events that promote camaraderie and a positive environment. This culture empowers us to deliver exceptional legal services and contributions to our clients and communities.
Law Alerts
Supreme Court Rules Students Claiming Disability Discrimination Do Not Face Higher Standard of Proof than Other ADA and Rehabilitation Act Plaintiffs
By Maritza Guevara |
SCOTUS unanimously ruled in A.J.T. v. Osseo Area Schools, Independent School Dist. No. 279 that students suing educational institutions for disability discrimination should not have to face a higher standard of proof than plaintiffs in other federal discrimination lawsuits brought under the ADA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
LGBTQ+ Books in Schools and Religious Rights Under Review by SCOTUS
By Maritza Guevara |
The U.S. Supreme Court will be weighing in on an important case, Mahmoud v. Taylor, concerning parental rights to the free exercise of religion and the authority of school districts over curriculum content and required instruction in the classroom.
Supreme Court Reverses “Reverse Discrimination” Employment Law Standard
By Maritza Guevara |
On June 4, 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court released its decision in the case of Ames v. Ohio Dept. of Youth Services.
Bill Requiring Seat Belts on School Buses Goes to Governor for Signature
By Maritza Guevara |
The Illinois General Assembly recently passed Senate Bill 191, which would add Section 12-826 to the Illinois Vehicle Code, requiring seat belts to be installed on each newly purchased school bus.
The Establishment Clause and More: Religious Charter Schools and Religion in the Classroom
By Maritza Guevara |
On May 22, 2025, a deadlocked Supreme Court blocked the creation of religious charter schools in Oklahoma Statewide Charter School Board and St. Isidore v. Drummond. This decision leaves in place the Oklahoma Supreme Court ruling that declared authorizing religious charter schools violated the constitutional separation of church and state.
Legislative (In)Action on Key Bills for Community Colleges
By Maritza Guevara |
As the 104th General Assembly concluded its spring session last week, it considered several key bills affecting higher education, particularly community colleges.
Recent Bill Amends the Public Community College Act to Limit the Use of AI as an Instructional Tool
By Samantha Kelly |
As the use of AI expands in higher education, the state is integrating AI-related policies into existing legislation. Learn more in our latest law alert.
“First Amendment Audits” Test Boundaries at Public Institutions
By Samantha Kelly |
Public institutions are seeing a rise in “First Amendment audits,” where private citizens enter public spaces, record video, and often request documents under Illinois FOIA. Read more in our latest law alert.
DEI Updates: Federal Court Decisions Impact OCR Dear Colleague Letter and Title VI Certification Form
By Samantha Kelly |
On April 24, 2025, two federal judges issued decisions in lawsuits brought against the U.S. Department of Education (the “Department”) related to DEI in schools. Read more in our latest law alert.
Available Now: Frequently Asked Questions (“FAQ”): Termination of Legal Status of F-1 Visa International Students
By Samantha Kelly |
In recent weeks, colleges nationwide discovered that some international students' legal status was terminated, raising questions about what it means, how to support students, and potential institutional risks. Robbins Schwartz has created an FAQ to help schools navigate this evolving issue.