LM Aug 2020

LegalCorner

Back-To-School Legal Guidance

Chad Watkins IASA Associate Director/General Counsel As State Superintendent Dr. Carmen Ayala said, the return of school will not be “business as usual.” To help school leaders navigate these uncertain times, IASA has partnered with leading law firms throughout Illinois to provide districts with critical guidance during the 2020–21 school year. In every issue of Leadership Matters , the IASA Legal Corner will showcase an article, sometimes several articles, written by attorneys who specialize in legal matters related to education. We have also begun a monthly legal issues podcast to discuss some of your most vital concerns. It is

our hope you find the content insightful, timely and helpful in addressing the critical matters you face. This month, Tueth Keeney writes about “Viewing Return To School/Remote Learning Plans Through An Equity Lens.” Last month, we shared three articles related to employment, collective bargaining and student mental health and issues. As a reminder, the articles are provided for informational purposes only, and you are advised to contact your district counsel for legal advice. Click on the link below to access the article.

Viewing Return to School/Remote Learning Plans Through an Equity Lens

Race, Color and National Origin Title VI 42 U.S.C. § 2000d enacted as part of the landmark Civil Rights Act of 1964, prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, and national origin in programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance. Simply put, public funds may not be spent in any fashion that encourages, entrenches, subsidizes, or results in racial, color, or national origin discrimination. Title VI itself prohibits intentional ... (continue reading)

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the landscape of preK–12 public education, at least for the 2020–21 school year. As districts prepare to meet the challenges of educating students during the 2020–21 school year, it is important for school administrators to also review return-to-school plans through an equity lens. In other words, consider the impact your district’s plan will have on certain populations such as those of a certain race, color or national origin, the English Language Learner or students with disabilities.

7 LM August 2020