What the Exxon Valdez Teaches Us About Higher Ed Right Now

Desperately Seeking Title IX Clarity

In this episode of Campus Docket, hosts Eric Kelderman and Scott Schneider are joined by attorney Jackie Wernz to explore major legal developments affecting higher education. The conversation covers the evolving implications of Title IX for transgender athletes, the intersection of Title VII and affirmative action, and the growing legal scrutiny around diversity initiatives. They also discuss the role of disparate impact theory and why universities are struggling to navigate shifting federal guidance and political pressures.

Going Clery: Campus Safety Beyond Mere Compliance

Campus safety has become one of higher education’s most complex responsibilities. In this episode of Campus Docket, Scott Schneider and Eric Kelderman are joined by attorney John Graff to examine the legal frameworks shaping campus safety today—from the Clery Act and compliance expectations to the evolving role of campus police and crisis management.

Free Speech on Campus: Protecting the Right to Disagree

In this episode of Campus Docket, co-hosts Scott D. Schneider and Eric Kelderman talk with FIRE’s Zach Greenberg about the state of free speech in higher education. Greenberg unpacks the chilling effect of self-censorship, the pressures facing faculty, and why protecting controversial expression is vital to preserving academic freedom.

What the Exxon Valdez Teaches Us About Higher Ed Right Now

In this episode of Campus Docket, hosts Scott Schneider and Eric Kelderman welcome Paul Liebman, Chief Compliance Officer at Vanderbilt, to explore the intersection of compliance and crisis. From Exxon Valdez to Baylor’s Title IX reckoning to federal oversight in higher ed, Liebman shares lessons learned from decades of navigating institutional risk.

The Columbia Settlement, Harvard’s Fight and Trump’s NIL Order

In this episode of Campus Docket, Scott Schneider and Eric Kelderman discuss Columbia University’s fast-tracked Title VI settlement, Harvard’s continued legal fallout from the SFFA decision, and a new executive order aimed at college athletics compliance. Together, these developments paint a picture of a sector under unprecedented legal and political scrutiny. From speech and protest to DEI and athletics, no corner of campus is off-limits.