Insights

Washington – June 20, 2024:  In a rare 8-1 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court decided U.S. v. Rahimi today in favor of restricting access to firearms for domestic violence abusers. The higher court held that: “An individual found by a court to pose a credible threat to the physical safety of another may be temporarily disarmed consistent with the Second Amendment.”

Washington – August 3, 2022: On August 1, a Crowell & Moring team filed an amicus brief in the two affirmative action cases pending before the Supreme Court on behalf of leaders at Howard University and other Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), as well as the National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education, the national membership association of the nation’s 106 HBCUs. The HBCU leaders’ brief pointed to Harvard, the University of North Carolina, and other historically White universities’ long history of excluding Black students and its present-day effects, which include continued underrepresentation.

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 a recent development that underscores the ongoing debate over diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in the United States, a group of 21 Republican State Attorneys General spearheaded by Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti has challenged the American Bar Association's (ABA) Standard 206 on Diversity and Inclusion. In a letter sent to the ABA in early June, the Republican AG group argues that the ABA Standard and its proposed revisions are unlawful due to the Supreme Court's ruling in Students for Fair Admissions, Inc. v. President & Fellows of Harvard College (SFFA).

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.”