Challenging Discrimination: The Fight for Pride Flag Rights in Schools

Connetquot's targeting LGBTQ+ teachers and students in creating a hostile environment must end, but even worse, Connetquot, as a part of the government, must respect its teacher's freedom of symbolic speech by letting them personalize the walls and doors of their classrooms, as SCOTUS recognized emphatically in Tinker v. Des Moines. We cannot let government intrude on our Bill of Rights by engaging in viewpoint discrimination. Full article about the case Lieb at Law is representing featured in Newsday https://www.newsday.com/long-island/education/connetquot-schools-pride-flag-lawsuit-h4xq59ol

Navigating Education Discrimination Law - A National CLE Instructed by Attorney Andrew Lieb

Lieb at Law, P.C. has partnered with Law Practice CLE to offer a pivotal Continuing Legal Education (CLE) course, "Education Discrimination: Perez v. Sturgis Public Schools," led by Attorney Andrew Lieb.

The Changing Dynamics of Education Law

Education Law is constantly evolving, with recent Supreme Court rulings significantly affecting the landscape, especially regarding the rights of disabled students. This course is designed to provide legal professionals with a comprehensive understanding of these changes and the skills needed to navigate them effectively.

Insights from the Course

In this 2-hour online session, Andrew Lieb will dissect the nuances of key cases such as Cummings v. Premier Rehab Keller and Perez v. Sturgis Public Schools. Participants will learn strategic approaches for handling education discrimination cases, including litigation, due process hearings, and settlement negotiations.

Benefits of the Course

Participants will gain:

• A deeper understanding of recent developments in Discrimination Law.
• Practical strategies for managing complex education discrimination cases.
• Enhanced advocacy skills for representing disabled students in schools.

Who Should Enroll

This CLE course is essential for:

• Lawyers focusing on Education Law and disability rights.
• Legal professionals seeking updated knowledge on education law trends.
• Advocates and educators interested in the legal dimensions of education.

Join Us on 1/31/24 (and available online)

For registration and more information, please visit Law Practice CLE - Education Discrimination: Perez v. Sturgis Public Schools

To schedule a workplace training contact Lieb at Law, P.C.

Fed DOL Implements Multifactor Analysis for Worker Classification as Employee v. Independent Contractor

The Department of Labor (DOL) announced that on March 11, 2024, a new rule, 89 FR 1638, will go into effect restoring the multifactor analysis used by courts for decades in determining if an individual is an employee or Independent Contractor (IC) under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). 

Misclassifying workers as ICs rather than employees can result in wage claims with liquidated damages and attorneys' fees under the FLSA, which can be catastrophic for business to continue to exist. Simply, you have to get it right and ICs that are misclassified have excellent cases because liquidated damages are two (2) times the amount not received. 

This new rule is being announced because DOL had concerns about the 2021 IC Rule where it did not fully align with the FLSA's text and purpose. 

The six factors under the New Rule are:

1. Opportunity for profit or loss
2. Financial stake and nature of resources invested in the work
3. Degree of permanence of the work relationship
4. Degree of control the employer has over the person’s work
5. Whether the work is essential to the employer’s business
6. Worker’s skill and initiative

This new rule provides a consistent approach for conducting business with ICs and employes. 

You can read the Department of Labor's release on this new law here. You can read the final rule here. 

Enhancing Transparency: New Law on Disclosure of LLC Beneficial Owners

On December 22, 2023 Governor Hochul signed Bill A3484A amending New York State's limited liability company law and the executive law. This new amendment will significantly transform the landscape of limited liability companies (LLCs) in New York. How will this bill accomplish this? By eradicating anonymous ownership of LLCs. 

This amendment defines beneficial ownership while also mandating the disclosure of beneficial owners upon the formation of an LLC, and publicizing this information in New York State's business entity database. 

This change to the law stems from concerns about the repercussions of anonymous corporate ownership. It highlights the misuse of anonymous LLCs for various illicit activities, including tax evasion, funding criminal organizations, money laundering, and even hindering routine code enforcement.

This legislative move aligns New York State with global efforts to foster transparency in corporate ownership. By mandating disclosure and establishing a public database, this change to the law aims to curtail illicit activities associated with anonymous ownership while protecting genuine privacy concerns through specific exemptions and waivers.

The transparency this law brings will save time, money, and resources for those suing an LLC. This will reduce unnecessary motion practices and other additional steps that had been required in order to determine who to serve when suing an LLC. 

This bill stands as a significant step towards a more transparent and accountable business landscape in New York State.

This law comes into effect on December 21, 2024, 365 days after being signed by the Governor. To learn more about Bill A3484A , click here. 

Understanding the Justice Department's Proposed Rule on Accessible Medical Diagnostic Equipment for Disability Non-Discrimination

On 1/12/24, the Justice Department announced a proposed rule revision under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), targeting the accessibility of Medical Diagnostic Equipment (MDE) in state and local government entities. This move is a significant step towards ensuring that medical diagnostic equipment is accessible to all, regardless of disability. 

The rule, proposed by the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice, seeks to amend title II of the ADA regulations. The primary goal is to establish explicit requirements, including technical standards, for accessible MDE provided by state and local governments. 

Key Provisions:

• Adoption of Standards: The rule proposes adopting standards set by the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board for MDE.
• Scoping Requirements: Specifics on the amount and type of accessible MDE required.
• Deadline for Comments: Stakeholders can submit comments until February 12, 2024, primarily through the electronic Federal Docket Management System.

Impact on Medical Services: The lack of accessible MDE has been a barrier for people with disabilities, often leading to compromised health care. For instance, patients with disabilities have faced challenges in accessing routine examinations like mammograms and Pap smears due to inaccessibility. This rule aims to rectify such disparities.

Public Participation: The Justice Department encourages public involvement in the rulemaking process. Comments can be submitted electronically or via mail. It's an opportunity for healthcare providers, individuals with disabilities, and other stakeholders to voice their opinions and concerns.

Implications for State and Local Governments: Entities offering medical services will need to align with these standards, ensuring that their MDE is accessible. This might involve acquiring new equipment or modifying existing setups.

Economic and Environmental Considerations: The Department invites comments on potential economic and environmental impacts of the rule. This consideration is crucial for balanced and sustainable implementation.