Winter 2025 Newsletter

Written By Rachel Koegel

As we step into the new year, we reflect on a productive and eventful season at Nearpass & Koegel. From team-building events to exciting new opportunities, our firm remains committed to delivering exceptional service and staying informed about all industry and policy developments. In this edition, we’re sharing firm updates, recent Title IX changes, and insights to help you stay informed and engaged.

Stay warm and thank you for being part of our community!

In this issue:

  • Firm Happenings

  • Legal Updates

  • New Faces

  • Interim Support Services

  • Featured Press

  • Upcoming Events

Firm Happenings

  • Nearpass & Koegel sponsored the 2025 HR Legal Update on February 6, 2025. The event was presented by the National Human Resources Association Rochester Affiliate and the Genesee Valley Chapter of the Society for Human Resource Management (GVCSHRM). 

  • In December, Kate and Rachel jointly presented a CLE for the Greater Rochester Association for Women Attorneys. Their presentation, "Advanced Topics in Workplace Investigations," was sponsored by Harris Beach PLLC.  

  • In November, Kate taught at the sold-out AWI Training Institute for Workplace Investigators, leading small group learning sessions on the topics of report writing and interview skills.  

  • Last quarter, our entire team came together for a fantastic team-building event with Bonsai Bar, strengthening collaboration and connection. We wrapped up the year with a festive dinner at The Classic Kitchen & Cocktails, celebrating our collective achievements and looking forward to an exciting year ahead! 

Legal Updates

Recent Developments Regarding Title IX Regulations | On January 9, 2025, in State of Tennessee v. Cardona, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky vacated the Title IX Final Rule that was issued by the U.S. Department of Education on April 29, 2024, and became effective on August 1, 2024.

Among other findings, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky ruled that the Department of Education exceeded its authority by expanding the definition of “sex” in Title IX and that the regulatory process violated the Administrative Procedures Act. The decision returns Title IX to the 2020 regulations nationwide.

On January 31, 2025, the U.S. Department of Education issued a Dear Colleague Letter directing educational institutions to transition pending Title IX cases to comply with the 2020 Title IX regulations.

As always, our attorneys are up to date with the changes in the Title IX landscape and are prepared to handle your civil rights compliance investigations, hearings, appeals, and other needs. Our firm continues to monitor these developments and will provide updates when available.

New Faces

Interim Support

As a reminder to our clients, Nearpass & Koegel offers interim support services to institutions of higher education and other companies. Our attorneys can step in to assist with coverage for open compliance positions or for a critical skill gap.

Whether it is Title IX or interim investigation support, Nearpass & Koegel can ensure you are addressing complaints in an appropriate and timely manner.

Featured Press

The AWI Journal, the official publication of the Association of Workplace Investigators, invited Rachel to share marketing insights and discuss how to leverage industry-specific expertise. In the article "Marketing Your Business: The Most Important Decisions You Can Make" by Stephanie Halford and Phillip Spearo, Rachel explained that her participation in industry-specific groups is a successful marketing strategy that highlights the firm’s experience working with schools and universities. Check out the full issue right here.

  • Kate will attend AWI’s Advanced Workplace Investigator Training Program in March. This two-day program will include modules on Neurodiversity/Mental health, Trauma, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Preparing & Delivering Investigation Findings, and more. 

  • In March, Rachel will attend the Spring 2025 CLE Workshop: Discrimination Law in San Antonio, Texas, offered by the National Association of College and University Attorneys. Attendees will hear about the constantly evolving landscape that discrimination law professionals are navigating. Learn more here. 

  • Registration is open for the AWI 2025 Training Institutes. Rachel is teaching at the May Training Institute in Portland, Oregon, and Kate is teaching at the August Training Institute in Nashville, Tennessee. There is also a Virtual Institute in October. You can visit the AWI website to learn more about these highly anticipated programs.

 

If you would like to discuss any topics covered in this newsletter or if you need assistance with investigations, mediation, Title IX services, or training, please contact us. We are here to assist you.

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Rachel Koegel
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Fall 2024 Newsletter