Brooks Pierce Attorneys Present at North Carolina Council of School Attorneys Conference
Brooks Pierce attorneys Collins Saint and Elizabeth Troutman presented at the North Carolina Council of School Attorneys (NCCOSA) Summer Law Conference on July 22 and 23.
Saint’s presentation, “Legal Issues Affecting Transgender Students,” discussed laws that school districts should be aware of when evaluating how to serve transgender students, including Title IX, the state and federal constitutions (Equal Protection Clause, Substantive Due Process Clause, and First Amendment), state anti-bullying laws, FERPA, the IDEA, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the ADA. The presentation covered topics such as sex-segregated facilities (e.g., bathrooms, locker rooms), sports, pronouns and names, bullying, dress codes and disability laws. Saint co-presented with Lindsay Smith of Tharrington Smith.
Troutman’s presentation, “To Vax or Not to Vax: Is that the Question?” discussed the legal issues surrounding COVID-19 vaccinations in public school systems and the various legal issues attorneys will need to consider over the coming school year as COVID-19 vaccines become increasingly available for school staff and students. Troutman co-presented with Cynthia Lopez of Campbell Shatley.
Saint focuses on broadening awareness of diversity issues within organizations. He counsels companies, educational institutions and other organizations on compliance with state and federal civil rights regulations, including Title VII and Title IX, the IDEA, the ADA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. He defends businesses in civil rights litigation when necessary. Saint also represents individuals in obtaining favorable results related to their markers of diversity. He has experience handling disputes on behalf of trans* persons involving discrimination and obtaining legal name and gender marker changes.
Troutman advises public school boards of education, private educational institutions and colleges and universities on a wide range of education issues, and advocates for educational institutions in administrative proceedings, state and federal courts and before local, state, and federal regulatory agencies. Her experience includes developing policies and procedures for schools, handling investigations by the Office of Civil Rights, conducting board of education hearings, managing and advising on student discipline and employment matters, advising on federal and state legislative strategies, addressing a myriad of compliance-related issues and defending educational institutions in state and federal courts.
