Education Law

Photo by David Potvin Photography

Whelan Corrente’s attorneys have many years of experience providing legal assistance on a wide range of issues to administrators and school boards in both public and private K-12 schools, universities and colleges throughout Rhode Island.   We routinely help our clients draft, review, and implement school policies and procedures to ensure full compliance with applicable federal and state laws.  We provide dispute resolution strategies and litigation services on matters that arise under state and federal laws, including student residency statutes; student discipline; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504); the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA); federal anti-discrimination statutes including Title VI and Title IX; the Clery Act; and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

We draw on our extensive expertise in labor and employment law to advise our clients in their interactions with their labor force, including collective bargaining negotiations, grievance resolution, arbitrations, tenure matters, employment contracts, and severance agreements.

We regularly assist our clients in addressing requests for accommodation under Section 504 and the ADA; represent clients in administrative hearings addressing special education and student disciplinary matters; and guide clients through investigations by federal agencies such as the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) and the Family Policy Compliance Office (FPCO), the agency that enforces the FERPA.  We are able to help our clients navigate disputes related to constitutional due process, freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and search and seizure.  We can advise on allegations of sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, or sexual assault on campus, student plagiarism, drug and alcohol abuse, and threats of violence.

Our attorneys maintain close ties to the educational community, and keep informed about education-related developments so that we can provide excellent legal services adapted to the current education environment.

David Potvin Photography