Insights

Washington – April 30, 2024: Crowell & Moring’s Litigation Group recently filed two amicus briefs in the United States Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit in opposition to an Iowa law that bans school officials from discussing gender identity or sexual orientation with students (its “Don’t Say Gay” provision) and requires the removal of certain books from Iowa public school libraries (its “Book Ban” provision).

Washington – August 17, 2023: The 2024 edition of The Best Lawyers in America® has recognized 47 firm lawyers as "Best Lawyers" and 41 lawyers as “Ones to Watch.”

As of July 1, Utah’s “Equal Opportunity Initiatives” law is in effect.  This law prohibits “discriminatory practices” at higher education institutions, public education systems, and government employers within Utah.  In response to the law, colleges and universities like the University of Utah, Southern Utah University, Utah State University, and Weber State University have reportedly already closed DEI offices and cultural centers.

In May, Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) and Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) announced legislation to encourage increased opportunities for artificial intelligence (“AI”) education at colleges, universities and K-12 institutions. In the public remarks introducing the bipartisan AI Education Act of 2024, Senator Cantwell noted, “This bill will open doors to AI for students at all levels, and upskill our workforce to drive American tech innovation, entrepreneurship and progress in solving the toughest global challenges.” Senator Moran summarized the need for the bill: “If we want to fully understand AI and remain globally competitive, we must invest in the future workforce today.”

Defamation law carries significant civil liability risk.  Just ask the folks at Fox News, who paid $787.5 million to settle a defamation suit over election-related falsehoods about Dominion Voting Systems, or Alex Jones, who a Connecticut jury recently found liable for $965 million in defamation damages to Sandy Hook victims’ families.