What's In A Name? Copyright and Trademark Infringement Risks for Interscholastic Athletics

Interscholastic athletics is an integral part of the student experience and School’s team name, logos, uniforms, and mascots can invoke pride and a sense of identity for the students and the larger community. For any school looking to change their team name, logos, uniforms, or mascots, either because of the recent prohibition against indigenous imagery or to find a new look, it is imperative that the Districts consider the Intellectual Property concerns that could unexpectedly burden the District.

The Red Flag Gun Protection Law

New York’s Red Flag Law (NY CPLR Article 63-a), which became effective on August 24, 2019, allows the state to prevent individuals who show signs they may be a threat to themselves or others from purchasing, possessing, or attempting to purchase or possess a firearm, rifle, or shotgun. The law aims to prevent tragedies like the recent school shootings in Uvalde, Texas and the mass shootings in Buffalo and Chicago by taking a proactive approach to potential threats.

Open and Shut: Challenges to Executive Session Discussions

A recent decision of the New York State Supreme Court for the County of Oneida reflects an apparent trend away from overly technical readings of the Open Meetings Law. There remain, however, pitfalls of which school districts and BOCES should be wary.

Short term Suspensions and Complaining Witnesses: When must a school district produce a student witness at the principal’s “informal conference?"

In a recent decision, the Commissioner of Education further emphasized the need to specifically comply with the procedural requirements for a suspension from attendance of 5 days or less, also called a “Principal’s suspension” and further defined who may be a “complaining witness” at the informal conference.

Board and Budget Election - 2023

With the looming Board of Education elections and budget votes, school districts must contend with the growing public scrutiny surrounding elections. Doing so requires all election personnel to be aware of their duties, as well as limitations of those duties. These duties and limitations vary depending on the type of school district and its registration practices.

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