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

Executive Order on Collegiate Athletics: A Reset or a Rewind?

On Friday, April 3, 2026, the President signed an executive order on collegiate athletics in an effort to restore a regulatory posture that resembles, in essence, a pre–name, image, and likeness (NIL) power structure. Despite the clear enforceability and legal questions presented by this order, the NCAA has already indicated its intention to implement rules aligned with the order’s demands. The framework sets forth guidelines that favor institutional stability over athlete freedom. In reality, however, these guidelines reflect substantial deference to the NCAA and its historical compliance architecture, signaling a policy preference for centralized governance over athlete-driven market dynamics. In practical terms, the order narrows the scope of student-athlete discretion by circumscribing pathways that have recently expanded under NIL and a more open market, prioritizing uniformity and institutional control. It is too early to determine the exact ramifications of this executive order; however, its existence further emphasizes that change in the collegiate sports industry is coming. ...read more

DOJ Extends ADA Web Accessibility Deadline to April 2027

On April 20, 2026, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) issued an interim final rule extending the deadline for public colleges and universities to comply with updated ADA Title II web accessibility requirements. The original April 24, 2026 deadline has been pushed to April 27, 2027, with certain smaller institutions receiving an additional year, until April 26, 2028. The extension provides additional time, but does not change the scope of the underlying obligations or the risk of enforcement. ...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

Patrick Afriyie Named a “Most Promising Newcomer” Finalist in 2026 Pennsylvania Legal Awards

The Pennsylvania Legal Intelligencer has named Associate Patrick K.A. Afriyie a finalist in the Most Promising Newcomer category of the 2026 Pennsylvania Legal Awards. This accolade honors attorneys in their early years of practice who have demonstrated exceptional potential, work ethic, and legal acumen. ...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