Education
The COVID-19 pandemic has presented unique and unprecedented challenges for schools, forcing local education entities and institutions of higher learning to make difficult decisions about how to educate their students while respecting physical distancing requirements and state and federal privacy laws, meeting the needs of students with special educational or language needs, and addressing existing disparities in access to technology for remote learning (the so-called “digital divide”). These resources compile relevant legal and policy information related to the educational response to COVID-19, including application of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) during the pandemic, the role of school nurses, student learning during school closures, language access, physical distancing in schools and on college campuses, financial assistance, and student testing. Additional resources are in development. Check back from time-to-time for updates or subscribe to the Network Report e-newsletter for information on the latest Network resources.
Resources
Affirmative Action and Public Health Repercussions
Back-to-School Legal Trends and Challenges Relating to COVID-19
Back to School: Overview of Legal Challenges to Mask and Vaccine Requirements
Links to Additional Education Resources
Links to Additional Education Resources
Spotlight
State Laws Banning Transgender Students’ Participation in Sports Harm Health and Wellbeing
Student Loan Debt is Creating a Physical and Mental Health Crisis for Millions of Americans
Efforts at Some Universities to Require COVID-19 Vaccinations Face State Legislative and Executive Challenges
Learn More
Real-time assistance for questions related to COVID-19 response
The Network can assist local, county, tribal and state health agencies with timely guidance, resources and information critical to key COVID-19 response measures, particularly in the areas of:
- public health authority and emergency powers,
- constitutionality of practices,
- health data privacy,
- protections for disadvantaged and vulnerable individuals,
- crisis standards of care, and
- ethical decision making.
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Legal Research & Assistance
Experienced legal experts are available to answer questions and provide research, analysis and guidance. Let us know what you’re working on and together we can figure out how we can help.
Legal Assistance Library
Explore the Network’s Legal Assistance Library to find answers to commonly asked questions on a variety of public health topics.