Recently, my colleague Julie Fay and I penned an article for the National Business Officers Association (which represents independent schools) for their national publication “Net Assets Now”. We focused on how schools can address free speech in the context of independent schools.
In the current political climate, independent schools face complex questions about free speech
free speech
Peace, Love and Misunderstandings
I’ve tried to write this post for over a week now. I should say something about the attack on Israel, right?
Yes, of course. It’s a horrific attack. 1300 men, women and children murdered. Hostages taken. Beyond words and comprehension. The pain of their loss is our loss, which many of us feel personally. No…
Supporting Democracy With Encouragement to Employees
As citizens, it’s hard not to feel that some of the underpinnings of democracy have been under a lot of pressure these last few years. No doubt you’ve heard from employees about these issues. It may also be leading to increased conflict within the workplace.
Which is why one of the projects the American Bar…
Can You Say Anything? Free Speech in Independent and Private Schools
Last week, I had the opportunity to present to the Connecticut Association of Independent Schools, an accrediting agency serving over 90 schools and 30,000 students here in state.
The topic was one that doesn’t get enough attention at times and due to its applicability not to just to schools, but to all employers (public…
“Captive Audience” Bill Passes General Assembly; Will It Pass Legal Scrutiny
With union organizing efforts making headlines at Amazon and Starbucks, a new bill in Connecticut is designed to make it even easier for unions to win organizing votes.
A bill banning so-called “captive audience” meetings won final approval from the Connecticut General Assembly late Friday; it moves to the Governor’s office where his approval…
Bills on “Captive Audience”, Paid Sick Leave, and Non-Compete Agreements On Agenda for Tuesday Hearing
2021 was a pretty busy year when it came to new labor & employment laws for employers in Connecticut.
Even though the legislative session is a “short” session, that doesn’t mean 2022 will be quiet. Indeed, several notable bills are already under consideration by the General Assembly with a hearing scheduled on several bills for…
Free Speech Rights in the Age of Protests and a Pandemic
Lately, I’ve been hearing a lot in the media say that the First Amendment doesn’t apply outside the government.
In Connecticut, that’s just not true — particularly when it comes to the private workplace.
As I’ve written about before, employees do have certain free speech rights that have been codified in state law. Conn.…
The Right to Say Anything in the Workplace? Not Quite
Can you “Say Anything” in the workplace?
Last month, a Silicon Valley CEO told employees that its mission doesn’t include taking stands on political issues outside the financial realm.
As a result, and as reported by the San Francisco Chronicle, “employees were told that internal debates about politics and activism not related to…
13 Things to Know About Employment Law Right Now (in Honor of 13 Years!)
13 years ago this week, I started this blog. But rather than dwell on another anniversary (and six months since working from home), I’d rather spend the time hitting a few (ok, 13) items in employment law because have been quite a few developments.
- Governor Lamont issued new Executive Orders this week amending the travel
…
You’re a Grand Old Flag – A (Very) Brief History in Employment Law
With Independence Day nearly upon us (and with many offices on skeleton crews this week), I thought I would take a very brief look back at a case that has particular relevance to the Grand Old Flag and displays of patriotism in the workplace.
If you’ve never read about Cotto v. United Technologies Corp.,…