Following the U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Students for Fair Admissions Inc. v. President & Fellows of Harvard College and Students for Fair Admissions Inc. v. University of North Carolina, institutions seeking to admit diverse student bodies may need to review and ultimately revise their policies and practices in order to achieve that goal through appropriate means.
Complying with Students for Fair Admissions: U.S. Departments of Education and Justice Issue Joint Guidance for Institutions
On August 14, 2023, the U.S. Department of Education (ED) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) jointly issued guidance to help postsecondary schools comply with the Supreme Court’s ruling in Students for Fair Admissions, Inc. v. President and Fellows of Harvard College and Students for Fair Admissions, Inc. v. University of North Carolina et al. (together, SFFA). The SFFA decision held that race-conscious admissions policies violate the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. While the departments’ guidance provides institutions with suggested approaches for supporting student body diversity, it also leaves open other important questions, including the funding and use of race-conscious scholarships and other financial assistance.
DOL Issues Final Rule Updating Davis-Bacon and Related Acts
For the first time in almost 40 years, the Department of Labor (DOL) announced the issuance of regulations designed to update and modernize the Davis-Bacon and Related Acts (DBRA), which require the payment of locally prevailing wages and fringe benefits on federal contracts for construction. The aptly-named final rule, Updating the Davis-Bacon and Related Acts Regulations (the Rule) will go into effect 60 days after its publication in the Federal Register.
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UK Immigration: Updates to Fines for Illegal Working and Renting
The Home Office acknowledged employment and housing as the leading factors for people illegally crossing the English Channel. These changes are intended to disincentivize illegal migration, as well as the businesses and landlords that may try to exploit such activities.
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British Government Announces Changes to the EU Settlement Scheme
The British government recently announced changes to the EU Settlement Scheme, with particular reference to the method of extending leave (the right to reside in the United Kingdom) under this scheme. The change includes a provision that beginning in September 2023, people with Pre-Settled Status under the scheme will automatically have their status extended by two years before it expires if they have not obtained Settled Status.
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What Employers Need to Know About the New Form I-9 as of August 1, 2023: Big Changes on the Horizon
Changes are coming for employers – U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is set to publish a new Form I-9 on August 1, 2023. USCIS has also introduced new procedures that will allow certain employers to remotely verify employees’ identification and employment authorization documents.