2022-03-24
United Educators Member Wins Case Before the U.S. Supreme Court
Bethesda, MD — United Educators (UE) insurance, a reciprocal risk retention group serving K-12 schools, colleges, and universities, celebrates the U.S. Supreme Court’s unanimous ruling in favor of our member Houston Community College System (HCCS).
On the same day UE celebrates our 35th anniversary, Ellen Kennedy, UE’s Vice President and General Counsel for Resolutions Management, issued the following statement regarding Houston Community College System v. Wilson:
“The Supreme Court victory is especially fitting on UE’s Founders’ Day as a reminder that we will stand with our members on these important issues of principle to the highest court. Congratulations to our member, HCCS, the appellate team, and all the organizations contributing to the strong amicus support for HCCS’ position.
The decision is important to institutions with publicly elected bodies, as it affirms the right and ability of these bodies, such as a college board of trustees, to respond to a member’s speech or inappropriate conduct with a verbal censure (which, as the Court recognized, is also a form of protected speech).
UE has focused for 35 years on the liabilities educational institutions face. When matters of principles arise, we remain committed and have the fortitude to support the defense of our members — up to and including to the highest court.
We are grateful to the U.S. Solicitor General for speaking in support of HCCS as well as the numerous other organizations in support of HCCS’ position. This includes the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges, the state of Texas and the District of Columbia — joined by a coalition of 15 additional states (Alabama, Connecticut, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Utah, and Virginia); the Texas Association of School Boards Legal Assistance Fund; the National School Boards Association; and the American Jewish Committee.”
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About UE
UE is education’s answer to the distinct risks and opportunities institutions face. UE provides liability insurance and risk management services to about 1,600 members representing K-12 schools, colleges, and universities throughout the United States. Founded in 1987 as a risk retention group, UE is owned and governed by the institutions it insures. UE addresses our members’ unique risks through thoughtful underwriting resulting in appropriate coverage.