A federal judge in the Southern District of Texas recently upheld an employer’s requirement that its employees be vaccinated against COVID-19 or be terminated from employment. In Bridges v. Houston Methodist Hospital, Jennifer Bridges and 116 other employees of Houston Methodist argued that the Hospital was unlawfully forcing its employees to be injected or be fired. The employees first argued … [Read more...] about Federal Judge Rules That Employer Can Require Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccinations
Unanimous Supreme Court Issues Narrow Decision Regarding Government Limits on Religious Discrimination by Government Contractors
The Fulton v. City of Philadelphia case has been followed by many, including those with an interest in foster care, LBGT rights and religious freedoms. The decision upheld the right of Catholic Social Services (“CSS”) to refuse to certify same-sex and unmarried couples as foster parents, as certifying such couples would violate the religious beliefs of the Catholic Church. The … [Read more...] about Unanimous Supreme Court Issues Narrow Decision Regarding Government Limits on Religious Discrimination by Government Contractors
Potential Legislation Addresses Post-COVID Student Retention Matters
Senate Bill 664 was unanimously approved by the Senate on 5/12/21. What will this mean for Pennsylvania schools going forward? Sponsored by Republican Jake Corman, the Bill grants parents the authority to have their children repeat a grade in school during the 2021-22 school year. Current law places all discretion with regard to retention and promotion determinations with the classroom teacher … [Read more...] about Potential Legislation Addresses Post-COVID Student Retention Matters
What Are the Contractual Guidelines for ESSERS Funding?
In order to provide support and aid to school districts across the country amid the ongoing pandemic, Congress is allocating funds to schools and districts to address the impact COVID-19 had, and continues to have, on elementary and secondary schools. More than a year ago, on March 27, 2020, The U.S. Department of Education passed the $2 trillion CARES Act, and within that, about $30.75 billion … [Read more...] about What Are the Contractual Guidelines for ESSERS Funding?
Two Recent Pennsylvania Cases Provide Restrictions and Opportunities for Your Airbnb Plans
Property use for short-term renting is an increasingly popular trend, especially through services such as Airbnb and HomeAway. However, renters need to be aware of how their individual municipality regulates this type of rental. Pennsylvania courts are determining if and where property owners are permitted to rent their properties on a short-term basis through a case-by-case determination. For … [Read more...] about Two Recent Pennsylvania Cases Provide Restrictions and Opportunities for Your Airbnb Plans
Disappointment or Disruption? SCOTUS Hears Oral Arguments in BL v Mahanoy Area School District
Will Tinker survive social media? This morning, April 28, 2021, The Supreme Court of the United States heard oral arguments regarding Mahanoy Area School District v. B.L., a case about whether a school can regulate students’ off-campus speech. B.L., a female junior, former varsity cheerleader, posted a picture to her Snapchat account with her middle finger raised and numerous obscenities … [Read more...] about Disappointment or Disruption? SCOTUS Hears Oral Arguments in BL v Mahanoy Area School District
