Higher Education
Thompson & Horton attorneys serve as trusted legal advisors to institutions of higher education, helping boards and administrators navigate the complex and evolving laws that impact students, faculty, and management. Our attorneys provide counsel in a wide variety of legal, policy, and compliance areas, including:
- All aspects of general educational law
- Compliance with the Texas Open Meetings Act, Public Information Act, records retention laws, and conflict of interest laws
- Academic freedom, curriculum issues, faculty publishing, and freedom of speech
- Campus police and public safety
- Compliance with the Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act
- Students’ claims regarding harassment and discrimination
- Compliance with the Clery Act, the Campus Sexual Violence Elimination Act, and Title IX. Our attorneys have been involved with major Title IX cases and have unique knowledge to counsel clients on compliance and to defend against claims.
- Student misconduct and discipline
- Compliance with disability laws
- Board governance and risk management
- Copyright and trademark law
- Student issues, including student fees, releases and forms for student activities, student handbooks, legal issues affecting international students, and student/faculty relations
- Academic matters, including admissions and registration, online education programs, and dual-credit programs
- Preparation of reverse articulation agreements between institutions of higher education, clinical affiliation agreements with local hospitals, and contracts between community colleges and other entities such as school districts, and use/license agreements
- Data breach response and general technology issues
- Drug testing of students and employees and compliance programs
- Service area issues, branch campuses, and out-of-district issues
Thompson & Horton attorneys have unique knowledge and experience to help institutions of higher education fulfill their missions.