SB 739 – Anti-Discrimination Against Israel Act, Contracting Officers Beware…

by Lisa Berns The Missouri legislature’s truncated and recently completed 2020 session did not produce as much legislation as is typical. Nonetheless one of the few bills that has made it out of the capitol has some terms that (assuming it is not vetoed by Governor Parson) Missouri public school district and community college district officials should be fully aware of for all new contracts, requests for proposal and purchase orders going forward. Truly agreed to and finally passed Senate

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Department of Education Releases Final Title IX Regulations: What Missouri Public Schools Need to Know

On May 6, 2020, the U.S. Department of Education (“ED”) released the final Title IX regulations (“Final Rule“).  The implementation date for the Final Rule is August 14, 2020.  While discussion about the Title IX regulations has largely centered on colleges and universities, the changes will also impact how K-12 districts in Missouri should respond to students’ reports of sexual assault and harassment under Title IX.  Notably, the regulations deviate significantly from the “Dear Colleague Letters”

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Families First Coronavirus Response Act Update for Public Education Employers Regarding Family and Paid Leave Requirements

On March 18, 2020, President Trump signed into law the “Families First Coronavirus Response Act.”   This law, among other provisions, expands rights to Family and Medical Leave Act (“FMLA”) leave and provides for paid leave for employees impacted by COVID-19.   This update provides guidance about provisions specific to public education employers.  The provisions discussed in this update all sunset on December 31, 2020. These provisions go into effect on April 1, 2020.   The law directs the Department

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Coronavirus Pandemic Planning in Missouri – Holding Legally Compliant Board Meetings

Frequently Asked Questions

Coronavirus Pandemic Planning: Holding Legally Compliant Board Meetings During this Time of Uncertainty

Below, we are listing answers or guidance we are providing in response to questions we have received relating to holding board meetings during this time of uncertainty. As time progresses, we will continue to provide updates or amended guidance, where necessary.

Can we hold a meeting without having anyone physically attend the meeting? Yes. However, the manner in

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U.S. Department of Education Releases New Proposed Rule Regarding Faith-Based Institutions

by Betsey Mooney and Kate Nash On Wednesday, January 16, 2020, the Department of Education published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking regarding the eligibility of faith-based institutions for departmental grants.   This proposed rule is the official document outlining the agency’s plan to revise its current regulations.   Following its publication in the Federal Register, a thirty-day period opens in which members of the public may submit comments on the proposed revisions.   The comments are made available for the

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Eight Tueth Keeney Attorneys are Included in 2019 Missouri & Kansas Super Lawyers List

We are proud to announce that eight Tueth Keeney attorneys have been included in the 2019 Missouri & Kansas  Super Lawyers ® list.   Each year, no more than five percent of the lawyers in the state are selected by the research team at Super Lawyers to receive this honor.  Michelle Basi, Celynda Brasher, Amy Clendennen, Margaret Hesse, and Kate Nash are all recognized in Schools & Education, as well as Adam Henningsen, who is recognized on the Rising Stars

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Tueth Keeney Attorneys and Firm Rank in 2020 Best Lawyers® Edition

Best Law Firms badgeTueth Keeney Cooper Mohan & Jackstadt, PC has been recognized regionally as a “Best Law Firm” in St. Louis, by U.S. News ““ Best Lawyers ®, for the tenth consecutive year. The firm has received a First Tier ranking in Education Law, Employment Law ““ Management, Immigration Law, Litigation ““ Labor & Employment, as well as a Tier Two ranking in Commercial Litigation. The

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Margaret Hesse Recognized as One of 2019’s Best Attorneys

Tueth Keeney attorney and firm president, Margaret Hesse has been recognized by Small Business Monthly as one of 2019’s Best Attorneys.   http://bit.ly/2oBo6qE


Margaret A. Hesse is a shareholder with the law firm of Tueth Keeney.   She primarily  practices in the areas of education law, employment law, and litigation and has represented school districts across both Missouri and Illinois for many years.  Margaret’s experience in includes defending school districts in matters

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New Efforts to Prevent Sexual Misconduct in Missouri Schools

House Bill 604, signed by Missouri Governor Mike Parson on July 11, 2019, attempts to close loopholes by tightening up prevention methods and outlining new required training for board members as well as students. Below are the new requirements: Screening for Volunteers– As of August 28, 2019, any school volunteer who will be left alone with a student will first be required to pass a background check. These volunteers could include, but are not limited to:

Missouri Supreme Court Addresses Questions of Sex Stereotyping, Transgender Students, and Administrative Law

In two decisions handed down on February 26, 2019, the Missouri Supreme Court waded into two questions under the Missouri Human Rights Act (MHRA): whether sex stereotyping is enough to constitute a claim under the MHRA, and whether a student transitioning from female to male can insist on access to restrooms and locker rooms reserved for males. The court also waded into a question of proper procedure under Missouri administrative law. But in no respect did the Court””or at least

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