Transgender, Non-Binary and Gender Expansive Students: Student Privacy v. Parental Rights
A student is struggling as to when, with whom and to what extent to share the student’s gender identity. The student finally discloses this information to a staff member, requests that the staff member and others refer to the student by a different name and/or pronouns, but requests that this information not be shared with […]
Students Have First Amendment Rights Regarding Off Campus Speech
On June 23, 2021, the U.S. Supreme Court issued its decision in Mahanoy Area School District v. B.L, No. 20-255, which serves as a warning to public school districts about disciplining students for online and off-campus speech. The facts of this case are no surprise to school district officials across the country, who have been […]
A Primer on Title Insurance in Real Estate Transactions
If an individual or entity will be purchasing or selling real estate, it is important to review the condition of the title. In real estate transactions, it is common for the seller to provide an owner’s policy of title insurance covering the proposed buyer. In addition, if the transaction involves financing, the buyer must typically […]
Managing Educator Shortages With Foreign Professionals
Virtually every sector of the U.S. economy is currently struggling with a lack of qualified and willing individuals to fill vacant employment positions. Education is no exception to this reality. Wisconsin school districts report high levels of available positions in teaching and administration, while college and university education programs report low enrollment. As a result, […]
Wisconsin Legislation Would Prevent Transgender Students From Participating in Sports Based on Their Gender Identity
Two identical bills have been introduced in the Wisconsin Assembly and Senate that would drastically affect transgender students’ participation in sports. 2021 AB 196 and 2021 SB 322 would amend provisions of Wis. Stat. §118.13(1), to create exceptions to the pupil discrimination statute. The bills would also create Wis. Stat. §118.132 to identify the requirements […]
Open Meetings Law and Closed Session Reminder
As new school board members and other municipal officers are taking their oaths, it is a good time for a reminder about the Open Meetings Law and closed sessions. This Legal Update will review some basic, but important, information about governmental body meetings and closed sessions. Every meeting of a governmental body must initially be […]
The Importance of Estate Planning
The officials for our school district, municipal, and other institutional clients often inquire about estate planning resources and legal counsel. This article is intended to provide an introduction to estate planning and to remind you that our firm has the capability of assisting individuals with estate planning and other related legal issues. One topic that […]
Recent Stimulus Laws Provide Tax Benefits for Employers That Pay Employees’ Student Loans
Two recently-enacted stimulus laws, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and the Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA), provide that an employer may be eligible for tax benefits if the employer makes payments toward its employees’ student loans in certain circumstances. Employers and employees can avoid paying federal payroll taxes on an employee’s student […]
Hunting Season & Expulsion Reminder
April 17, 2021 marks the start of the turkey hunting season in Wisconsin. The season kicks off with a special youth hunting weekend during which those who are 15 years of age or younger are permitted to hunt, provided they are accompanied by an adult and hold a valid license, stamp, and harvest authorization. The […]
Wisconsin Supreme Court Decision Invalidates Governor’s Public Health Emergency But Not School District Mask Requirements
The Wisconsin Supreme Court, in a 4-3 decision, invalidated Governor Evers’ public health emergency declarations on March 31, 2021. The Court’s decision in Fabick v. Evers, 2020AP1718-OA, March 31, 2021 declared a series of public health emergency declarations invalid. The case was originally brought to the Court challenging the validity of Governor Evers’ July 30, […]
