8:30 – 9:00 a.m.
CHECK-IN, CONVERSATION & CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST

9:00 – 9:05 a.m.
WELCOME & INTRODUCTION

9:05 – 10:05 a.m.
What Happened and Why It Matters – The 2024 Legislative and Case Law Update
A review of legislation, arbitration decisions and cases important to educators and school law attorneys.
– Roger J. Aronson

10:05 – 10:50 a.m.
Developing a Framework for Investigating and Addressing Cyberbullying
The use of technology to harass, threaten, embarrass, or target another is a growing problem for school staff and students. This panel discusses addressing, investigating and disciplining inappropriate, harmful and illegal online activity.
– Rana S. Alexander, Kristi A. Hastings, Elizabeth M. Meske & Jonathan F. Reiner

10:50 – 11:00 a.m.
BREAK

11:00 – 11:30 a.m.
What the Loper Bright and Jarkesy Decisions Mean for Schools and Other Important Supreme Court Decisions
The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo rejected a 40-year-old precedent known as “Chevron deference,” which gave federal agencies latitude to clarify ambiguous laws passed by Congress. This session discusses the possible consequences this may have for the U.S. Department of Education’s role in overseeing schools and looks at SEC v. Jarkesy and other Supreme Court decisions impacting school law.
– Professor David A. Schultz

11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
What Educators Need to Know About Earned Sick and Safe Time and Paid Family Leave Laws
Learn what Minnesota’s new leave laws require, how they interact with existing state and federal requirements and get tips for complying with new requirements.
– Rep. Cedrick R. Frazier

12:00  – 12:15 p.m.
BREAK & DISTRIBUTION OF LUNCH (provided by Minnesota CLE)

12:15 – 1:15 p.m. 
Understanding Minnesota’s Ban on Book Bans and the Importance of  Intellectual Freedom
This dynamic presentation provides an overview of Minnesota’s new law, delves into the constitutional foundations that protect the right to free speech, discusses the potential negative impacts of censorship, offers insight on handling requests for alternative education, and explores strategies for preserving the right to access diverse perspectives while respecting parents’ right to exercise control over their children’s education. 
– David M. Aron, Rep. Cedrick R. Frazier & Timothy R. Palmatier

1:15 – 1:30 p.m.
BREAK

1:30 – 2:15 p.m.
BREAKOUT SESSION A

101
Cutting Through the Confusion of Title IX Compliance and Gender Inclusion Litigation
A new Title IX rule that became effective on August 1, 2024, substantially increases compliance requirements for school districts. However, a divided Supreme Court refused to require some states to enforce new rules on how schools should handle complaints of sexual harassment and discrimination. Additionally, there has been a significant increase in parents’ rights cases centered on issues of gender. This session cuts through the confusion to provide guidance for navigating the current legal landscape and creating a safe, supportive environment for students.
– Erin E. Benson, Kaylynn A. Johnson, Paula R. Johnston & Eva C. Wood

102
Exploring the Legal Framework for School Discipline
Recent changes to the MN Pupil Fair Dismissal Act (PFDA) have altered the landscape of school discipline law, providing opportunities to strengthen policies supporting non-exclusionary discipline practices. This session gives a brief outline of the legal framework, highlighting areas of flexibility and resources to support students and staff.
– Kimberly Cooper & Sara K. Wolf

103
Best Practices for Supporting Students with Special Needs – The Special Education Update
A comprehensive update on special education including new discipline rules; new cases; IEPs; accommodations; due process issues; and more.
– Christian R. Shafer & Elizabeth J. Vieira

2:15 – 2:25 p.m.
BREAK

2:25 – 3:20 p.m.
BREAKOUT SESSION B

201
7 Things You Need to Know About Hiring Law in Minnesota
From background checks to school-specific rules for veterans, this session gives you focused guidance on the latest legal requirements related to hiring in Minnesota.
– Margaret A. Luger-Nikolai

202
It’s the Human Element That Makes a Difference – Practical and Legal Considerations for Common Technology Issues
Join this panel for a practical discussion about effectively managing data practices, the requirement to create cell phone policies by March 2025, safe and ethical AI use, data privacy, and other technology issues, so that schools, students, and staff remain legally compliant and reasonably secure.
– Dr. Terence S. Morrow, Timothy R. Palmatier & Abbie J. Thurmes

203
Practical and Legal Considerations for Navigating Student and Staff Boundaries
Two seasoned attorneys discuss the legal and practical considerations for maintaining clear and appropriate boundaries in person, electronically and on social media for staff interactions with students and one another.
– Debra M. Corhouse & Michael J. Ervin

3:20 – 3:30 p.m.
BREAK

3:30 – 4:15 p.m.

MAIN PLENARY
Shattering Expectations – Education Leaders Talk About Opportunity and Inclusion
Women, and other marginalized groups, often face systemic barriers in their rise to leadership, even when they achieve apparently equal opportunities. The phenomena of increased scrutiny, lack of resources and support and high stakes/high risk conditions have been described as the “glass cliff”. Join a panel of educational leaders as they discuss equity, inclusion, and excellence in educational leadership.
– Dr. Theresa F. Battle, Dr. Stepanie H. Burrage & Dr. Carlondrea D. Hines
– Andriel M. Dees (moderator)

ALTERNATE PLENARY
Understanding The READ Act
This session discusses the legal requirements of the READ Act, including the 2024 updates, and what it means for literacy instruction for students and training for staff.
– Justin Killian & Margaret A. Luger-Nikolai

LIVE IN-PERSON
Wednesday, November 13, 2024
Minnesota CLE Conference Center
600 Nicollet Mall, Suite 370
Seventh Street & Nicollet Mall, Third Floor City Center
Minneapolis, Minnesota

ONLINE REPLAY
Tuesday, December 10, 2024
Attend online
Online replay includes all plenary and breakout sessions. A moderator will be available to answer questions by email.

$345 MSBA members / $345 paralegals / $395 standard rate

Other discounts that may apply:

• Education Minnesota staff members and affiliated leaders:
  You may attend for a special discounted rate. Please use the instructions provided by Education Minnesota when registering.
  
• Season Pass Discount
  
• New Lawyer Discount

Scholarships available!
Need-based scholarships are available for in-person and online seminars. For further information or to obtain a scholarship application, contact us at 800-759-8840 or customerservice@minncle.org.

Minnesota CLE is applying to the Minnesota State Board of CLE for 6.0 standard CLE credits. The maximum number of total credits attendees may claim for this program is 6.0 credits.

Minnesota CLE also has applied to the Minnesota State Bar Association for 6.0 labor and employment law specialist credits.

Minnesota CLE also has applied to the Minnesota Board of School Administrators for 6.0 continuing education units (CEUs) for educators.