News & Insights

What Can Single-Sex Institutions Do in Light of DOE’s Title IX Attack on Transgender Admissions at Smith College?

In June 2025, a group calling itself “Defend Education” filed a complaint against Smith College for discrimination on the basis of sex-based discrimination based on its admission of transgender women.  Smith has admitted transgender women since 2015 and currently considers “any applicants who self-identify as women.” On May 4, 2026, the Department of Education opened a Title IX investigation. ...read more

University of Pennsylvania Ordered to Create List of Jewish Employees and Provide to EEOC: What You Need to Know

4/27/26 Update: The University of Pennsylvania appealed this decision on April 13, 2026 and petitioned the district court to stay the enforcement of the subpoena pending appeal.  On April 27, 2026, the court granted U Penn’s stay until the Third Circuit decides the issue. ...read more

ICE Detention at Columbia Highlights Need for Clear Protocols in College Law Enforcement Interactions

On February 26, 2026, Columbia University announced, and various media outlets reported, that a Columbia student had been detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents that morning.  While there have been many reports of ICE detaining international students over the past year, this incident is notable for how ICE personnel are alleged to have carried out the detention:  By holding themselves out not as ICE agents but as New York Police Department officers looking for a missing child, in order to gain entrance into the Columbia dormitory where the student lived. ...read more

Archer Expands Higher Education Team With Wilkes University General Counsel

In an article for Law360, Elizabeth Leo was interviewed about joining Archer as a partner in the firm’s Higher Education practice after serving as general counsel and Title IX coordinator at Wilkes University. In her new role, Leo will support colleges, particularly smaller institutions, by serving as external general counsel and providing cost-effective access to broad legal expertise, including Title IX, labor and employment, and operational matters. Archer leadership emphasized her deep, inside-the-institution perspective and extensive experience as a significant asset to higher education clients. With decades of experience spanning private practice, healthcare leadership, and higher education, Elizabeth strengthens Archer’s expanding Higher Education team. ...read more

Archer Expands Higher Education Team with Former University General Counsel Elizabeth Leo

Archer is pleased to announce that Elizabeth C. Leo, former General Counsel and Title IX Coordinator of Wilkes University, has joined the firm as a partner in its Higher Education Practice. ...read more