Several McLane Middleton attorneys will be presenting at the 2019 National Association of Independent Schools’ Annual Conference in Long Beach, California on 2/27-3/1 and the National Business Officers Associaton’s Annual Meeting in San Diego, California on 3/3-3/6.
Their speaking schedule is as follows.
2019 NAIS Annual Conference
Preventing Rape Culture and Fostering a Culture of Consent
Thursday, February 28, 2019 | 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.
Block 1 – Student Experience Track
The phrase ‘rape culture’ elicits strong emotions. It describes an environment where rape is prevalent and sexual violence is normalized and excused as part of current culture. Learn steps high schools are taking to address views about rape culture, including policies and educational awareness on consent, dating violence, healthy relationships, sexual assault, bystander intervention, and anonymous reporting. See how schools are providing opportunities for student-led programs that empower students to use their voice to promote respect, healthy culture, and a positive school environment.
McLane Middleton Attorney Presenting: Linda S. Johnson
Co-Presenters: Jessica Herbster and Jenny Elliot (Phillips Academy)
Room: 204
Think Your School is Safe? This Again! Conducting a Policies and Procedures Self-Audit
Thursday, February 28, 2019 | 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Block 3 – Management Track
The recent focus on educator sexual misconduct and reports of student-on-student sexual assault has caused many schools to learn the hard way that their policies and procedures regarding student safety are not what they should be. Learn how to conduct a comprehensive, school-wide, student safety self-audit, including a review of relevant policies and procedures, and what awareness and training is needed so students and employees know the expectations of their behavior, where to go for help, and how the school will handle situations when they occur.
McLane Middleton Attorney Presenting: Linda S. Johnson
Co-Presenter: Matt Micciche (Friends School of Baltimore)
Room: 104A
GDPR: E.U. Privacy Law Crosses the Atlantic
Thursday, February 28, 2019 | 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Block 3 – Management Track
GDPR went into effect in 2018, yet over 75% of U.S. businesses affected by law are not in compliance. GDPR reaches across the Atlantic to impact independent schools, many of which are unprepared to address the requirements of a broad privacy law. European stakeholders—like alumni, parents, students, and board members—expect us to comply and honor individuals’ rights under GDPR, and many schools are choosing to offer such progressive privacy protections. If your school is not yet GDPR compliant, now is the time to assess the law’s impact and implement a plan to come into compliance.
McLane Middleton Attorney Presenting: Cameron G. Shilling
Room: 104C
2019 NBOA Annual Meeting
What to Keep Where: Personnel Records and Risk Management
Monday, March 4, 2019 | 1:30 p.m. to 2:45 p.m.
Concurrent Sessions B – Human Resources Track
When it is time to part ways with an employee, investigate misconduct — or worse — defend a lawsuit, will you have and know where to find critical records (in print or electronic format)? Your school could face significant consequences if records are incomplete or missing. The business office is central to ensuring that document management systems are implemented and updated as technology evolves. Experienced attorneys guide you through safeguarding and managing records like faculty evaluations, documentation of performance discussions, records of complaints, and more, so that your school can address inquiries in a timely manner and defend itself when necessary.
McLane Middleton Attorney Presenting: Charla Bizios Stevens and Susan E. Schorr
Sexual Abuse Investigations: Assessing the Difficult Issues
Tuesday, March 5, 2019 | 8:45 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
Concurrent Sessions D – Risk Management Track
A panel of experienced attorneys take a deep dive into the difficult issues that arise in investigations of current and skeleton sexual abuse cases. Some issues the panelists address include strategy decisions about the pros/cons of using an independent investigator versus a retained outside law firm; whether to send an outreach letter in skeleton cases and the content of such a letter; potential conflict issues when board members are named as having knowledge of potential abuse; reaching out to possible victims who choose not to call; pros/cons and content of issuing a report; limitations issues; and reporting issues.
McLane Middleton Attorney Presenting: David Wolowitz
Co-Presenters: Michael Blacher (Liebert Cassidy Whitmore), Suzanne Bogdan (Fisher Phillips), Grace Lee (National Business Officer Association)
The Challenge of Managing Teacher Texting
Wednesday, March 6, 2019 | 10:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.
Goldmines – Risk Management Track
Teachers are responsible for maintaining professional roles with students and setting appropriate boundaries. Peer-like behavior by adults breaks down necessary limits and promotes personal connections, such as friendship and special bonds, that can contribute to unhealthy relationships. Texting is a peer-to-peer activity. It developed as a convenient way for friends and family to stay in touch. It involves informal language, nicknames, symbols and abbreviations. Prohibitions against texting with students have proven to be unpopular and unenforceable. Discuss how the inherent risk of teacher texting can be mitigated through a combination of technology, behavioral training and policies.
McLane Middleton Attorney Presenting: David Wolowitz