Legal Questions

Legal Questions

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A Word from Legal: Is It Safe?

As we reopen school buildings, there is seemingly ever-changing guid­ance on process and safety protocols. This makes it sometimes chal­lenging to answer the question that we all want to know: “Is it safe?” Many of the schools in our state have safely re-opened buildings in a hybrid model and intend to expand that re-opening before […]
Coronavirus and Schools|Educator Voice|Legal Questions|Opportunity Gaps

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Summer School Programs: Educators and Collective Bargaining

The American Rescue Plan (ARP), enacted on March 11, is a desperately needed boon of $122 billion to states and school dis­tricts to help safely and sustainably reopen school buildings and bridge the learning gaps stemming from the pandemic. The total allocation for Maryland schools is $1.9 billion. Two-thirds of this money should have been […]
Coronavirus and Schools|Legal Questions

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A Word from Legal: School Employees and Coronavirus

We all know a coronavirus vaccine is now available and while citizens across the country are experiencing unduly inconsistent access, it provides hope and promise for better days ahead. Widespread vaccination is key for public health efforts to control coronavirus and to eventually safely and sustainably re-open schools for in-person instruction. Find MSEA’s library of […]
Coronavirus and Schools|Legal Questions

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Coronavirus and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Accommodations

As the Maryland State Depart­ment of Education struggles with leadership and guidance around the pandemic, MSEA continues to provide educators with updates and new information about teach­ing, learning, and working. “Our focus is always on safety and clarity for educators, stu­dents, and families,” said MSEA President Cheryl Bost. “That includes making sure educators are aware […]
Legal Questions

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Am I Covered by Workers' Compensation If I Contract Coronavirus at Work?

Am I Covered by Workers’ Compensation If I Contract Coronavirus at Work? Right now, the answer is most likely no for public school employees. The current workers’ compensation provisions provide coverage for an “occupational illness or disease” that arises out of and in the course of employment. In order to meet the threshold requirement that […]
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Your Health and Safety

We know the coronavirus is extremely contagious and can be spread by those who have very mild symptoms or are asymptomatic. It’s what makes the disease especially hazardous in school settings. With increased pressure to return students to the classroom, educators and our union must understand what is required to create and maintain a healthy […]
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Returning to Work in the Fall

Times are uncertain for everyone. For educators, students, and parents, the start of the school year will be anything but normal. We are certain, however, that it’s critical for schools to take proper actions to create a safe school environment. The CDC has recommended protocols for schools to implement before re-opening for students and staff. […]
Legal Questions

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Explainer: The Good Teacher Protection Act

Photo © NEA With the stressors from trauma, poverty, and understaffing prevalent in so many schools, behavioral issues can manifest themselves as physical altercations. The well-intentioned educator who intervenes in an incident to prevent harm ought to have legal protection when doing so. What If There Is a Lawsuit? In the event of a lawsuit, House Bill […]
Legal Questions

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A Word from the Legal Team on Online Threats

There is a much under-used provision of the law when it comes to online threats made by students. While it only applies in situations where there is a threat of bodily harm, it applies to threats made online, in email, or on social media. MSEA’s legal team increasingly receives complaints of students sending emails, creating […]
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