Standard Post with Image

Emotional Distress Damages Off the Table in ADA Claims, but Liability for other Damages Persists

Schools cannot be sued for emotional distress under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), but they may still face financial liability.

Read More
Standard Post with Image

U.S. Department of Education Issues Updated Guidance on Prayer and Religious Expression in Public Schools

Based upon what appears to be an expanded view of the Supreme Court’s opinion in Kennedy v. Bremerton School District, the U.S. Department of Education (Department) has issued a new Guidance on Prayer and Religious Expression in Public Schools (2026 Guidance).

Read More
Standard Post with Image

Partially Overturning PERB, Court Holds that California State University Did Not Violate HEERA

California State University (CSU) prevailed in part against the California Public Employment Relations Board (PERB) on a negotiability issue under the Higher Education Employer-Employee Relations Act (HEERA) related to changes in CSU’s student vaccination requirements.

Read More
Standard Post with Image

School Administrator’s Free Speech Retaliation Claim Fails

In its recent decision in Thompson v. Central Valley School District No. 365 (9th Cir. 2025) 163 F.4th 654, the Ninth Circuit affirmed a U.S. District Court ruling that Central Valley School District (CVSD) had demonstrated that a former middle school assistant principal’s speech would reasonably cause disruption in the workplace and undermine CVSD’s interest in cre

Read More
Standard Post with Image

SB 848: California Legislature Imposes Additional Administrative Requirements on K-12 Schools Intended to Enhance Student Safety

Senate Bill (SB) 848, signed into law on October 7, 2025, and effective January 1, 2026, is a sweeping piece of legislation intended to enhance student safety by: (1) extending Assembly Bill (AB) 2534’s school employee misconduct disclosure requirements; (2) requiring written policies clarifying professional boundaries; (3) strengthening comprehensive school safety plans; (4) expanding...

Read More
Standard Post with Image

Legislative Roundup: New Public Employment Laws

Three recently enacted laws will significantly impact local agency employees and local government operations.

Read More