The webinar titled “The Impact of the COVID-19 Vaccines on Higher Education” was presented on Wednesday, January 20, 2021 as part of Barley Snyder’s industry-focused COVID-19 Vaccine Webinar Series.
About the Webinar
The webinar focused on the legal considerations surrounding the COVID-19 vaccine and higher education. The discussion was led by partner David Freedman, chair of the Education Practice Group. He was accompanied by attorney Sarah Yerger, member of the Employment and Education groups, attorney Katelyn Rohrbaugh, member of the Litigation and Education groups, and attorney Martin Siegel, chair of the COVID-19 Response Service Team.
The four attorneys talked about some of the specific challenges institutions of higher education face when it comes to the COVID-19 vaccine. Some of the questions they discussed were:
– What is the current status of the vaccine?
– Can colleges and universities mandate some or all of their employees to get vaccinated?
– Can institutions of higher education require proof of vaccination before allowing students to come to campus?
– What are the special considerations for students?
About Our Speakers
David Freedman, Partner, Barley Snyder
David Freedman chairs the firm’s Education Practice Group and is a partner in the Employment Practice Group. David represents public and private colleges and universities in matters involving student rights and discipline, including claims brought under the Pennsylvania Fair Educational Opportunities Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act and Title IX. He has conducted extensive, comprehensive internal Title IX investigations. David also provides training for administrators, faculty, and staff regarding compliance with Title IX and the Violence Against Women Act, student civil rights laws and legal issues related to faculty hiring and promotions.
Sarah Yerger, Attorney, Barley Snyder
Sarah is a member of the Education, Employment and Ligitation practice groups. She serves as both a litigator and counselor, advising her public and private-sector clients in local, state and federal courts in addition to administrative matters before the EEOC, PHRC, PLRB, and NLRB. She routinely handles litigation in the federal district courts in both the Eastern and Middle Districts of Pennsylvania. She has litigated commercial disputes, licensing issues, regulatory concerns and employment-related matters.
Katelyn Rohrbaugh, Attorney, Barley Snyder
Katelyn is a member of the firm’s Litigation and Education practice groups. She comes to the firm after two previous part-time positions as a summer associate and law clerk. She has worked as a legal intern with the New Jersey Attorney General, State Police, Corrections & Employment Division working in employment litigation; a judicial intern with Judge Anne E. Lazarus of the Pennsylvania Superior Court and as a legal intern with the Pennsylvania Board of Pardons.
Martin Siegel, Attorney, Barley Snyder
Marty is the chair of the COVID-19 Response Service Team and is a member of the Real Estate and Environment & Energy practice groups. He has worked in federal government positions at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry in Atlanta and with the Department of Energy’s Pacific Northwest Laboratory in Washington state.
—
Disclaimer: The information in this presentation is for general informational purposes only. It should not be construed as legal advice or a substitute for legal counsel. The views expressed in this presentation are those of each individual presenter and do not necessarily reflect the views of the presenter’s organization or the views of the other presenters. If you have questions about your situation or about how to apply information contained in this presentation to your situation, you should reach out to an attorney. We assume no responsibility for the accuracy or timeliness of any information provided herein or by any linked site. As information changes rapidly, users are strongly advised to verify any information before relying upon it.
