2025 Student Rights Conference — FAQ & Registration
2025 Student Rights Conference FAQ & Registration
When + Where is the Student Rights Conference?
The Student Rights Conference will be held virtually on Thursday and Friday, July 17-18, 2025.
What Topics are Covered During the Student Rights Conference?
Days 1 and 2 will combine both general student/parent rights and special education rights. Each day will end with a panel discussion and Q&A. A complete schedule for both days is available below.
Who Would Benefit from Attending the Student Rights Conference?
The conference will benefit students, parents/guardians of school-age children, k12 educators and attorneys in Ohio, Michigan and Pennsylvania. The conference has been approved by the Supreme Court of Ohio for a total of 11.5 CLE hours (5.75 hours each day). The agenda and speakers’ bios are available for submission for CEU credit as well.
How Much Does It Cost to Attend?
General Registration: The cost to attend the Student Rights Conference is $75 per day for early-bird registration (prior to July 1, 2025) or $100 per day starting on July 1, 2025. All registration ends on July 16, 2025 (the day before the conference).
Students, Legal Aid, and Non-Profit Partners Registration: A discounted rate is available for students of all ages, legal aid attorneys, juvenile public defenders and for employees of our non-profit partners (MiPAAC, DRM, DRO, OCECD). The cost to attend the Student Rights Conference is $50 per day for these individuals for registration at any time prior to July 16, 2025 (no early-bird registration).
We also have a limited number of financial need-based scholarships covering the full cost of tuition, which are available to anyone in need and interested in attending. Click here to complete a scholarship application.
Who is Organizing the Conference?
The conference is organized by Abdnour Weiker, LLP, a student-rights focused law firm operating in Ohio, Michigan and Pennsylvania, with support from the Michigan Parent Advocate and Attorney Coalition (MiPAAC). Several scheduled sessions will be led by the education attorneys and advocates from Abdnour Weiker, LLP. Additionally, professionals and representatives from other student-focused organizations will be speaking at sessions and attending.
How Do I Sign Up?
To register for one or both days of the conference, please CLICK THE REGISTRATION BUTTON AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE.
Questions?
For any other inquiries, please email Renee Stromski, Esq. at renee@education-rights.com.
FULL CONFERENCE SCHEDULE
Day 1 — Thursday, July 17th, 2025
8:00am – 9:00am Check-In/Coffee
9:00am – 9:10am Welcome - Overview of Student Rights, with Mark Weiker, Esq.
9:10am – 10:00am Session 1 - Student Rights in 2025: Case Law Update, w/ Liz Abdnour, Esq.
This session provides an overview of recent legal updates related to education law, including Title IX (discrimination based on sex) and Title VI (discrimination based on race, color, or national origin) in K-12 and higher education. Gain insight into emerging trends, compliance obligations, and advocacy strategies.
10:00am – 10:10am Break
10:10am – 11:00am Session 2 - IEPs vs. 504 Plans: Understanding Student Rights & Special Education, w/ Megan Mitchell, Esq. and Jacquelyn Kmetz, Esq.
What’s the difference between an Individualized Education Program (IEP) and a 504 Plan? This session will clarify eligibility, accommodations, and legal protections under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Learn how these laws intersect and when each applies.
11:00am – 11:10am Break
11:10am – 12:00pm Session 3 - Title IX Investigations: Understanding Rights & Navigating the Process, w/ Jessica Moore, Esq.
Title IX investigations can be complex and critical for students on both sides of a complaint. This session will break down the investigation process, key legal protections, and advocacy strategies for both complainants and respondents. Learn how to navigate school procedures while protecting student rights.
12:00pm – 1:00pm Lunch Break
1:00pm – 1:50pm Session 4 - Overcoming Transportation Challenges in Special Education, w/ Coriann Gastol, Esq. and Renee Stromski, Esq.
Transportation can be a major barrier for students with disabilities. This session will explore legal rights, district obligations, and common challenges families face when securing appropriate transportation services. We will also discuss strategies for advocating for appropriate transportation solutions.
1:50pm – 2:00pm Break
2:00pm – 2:50pm Session 5 - Speak Up! Student Free Speech Rights in Schools & Colleges, w/ Kathleen Mahoney, Esq.
What rights do students have when it comes to free speech? This session will explore legal protections for student expression, including social media use, school protests, dress codes, and college campus speech rights. We will also discuss recent court cases and policy changes affecting student speech.
2:50pm – 3:00pm Break
3:00pm – 3:50pm Session 6 - Threat Assessments & Student Rights, w/ Ruth Pack-Adler, Esq.
Schools use threat assessments to evaluate student behavior and potential safety risks, but these processes can have significant legal and educational implications. This session will examine how threat assessments work, legal considerations for students with disabilities, and how parents can ensure fair and appropriate evaluations.
3:50pm – 4:00pm Break
4:00pm – 4:50pm Ask the Experts: Live Q&A on Student Rights & Advocacy
Join a panel of experienced attorneys and advocates to discuss key takeaways from the day’s sessions. Attendees can ask questions about the presentations or submit questions in advance when registering.
4:50pm – 5:00pm Final Remarks, w/ Mark Weiker, Esq., Liz Abdnour, Esq. and Heather Eckner
Day 2 — Friday, July 18th, 2025
8:00am – 9:00am Check-In/Coffee
9:00am – 9:10am Welcome - Overview of Student Rights, with Mark Weiker, Esq.
9:10am – 10:00am Session 1 - The Latest in Special Education Law, w/ Renee Stromski, Esq. and Coriann Gastol, Esq.
Stay up to date on the latest legal developments in special education. This session will cover key court decisions and policy updates impacting IDEA, Section 504, and student rights. Learn how recent cases shape advocacy strategies for students with disabilities.
10:00am – 10:10am Break
10:10am – 11:00am Session 2 - Advocacy Strategies for Parents & Guardians, w/ Megan Mitchell, Esq.
Parents and guardians play a crucial role in advocating for their children’s education. This session equips attendees with advocacy strategies for navigating common education challenges, including discrimination, discipline, and student rights.
11:00am – 11:10am Break
11:10am – 12:00pm Session 3 - Discipline & Disabilities: Mastering the MDR Process, w/ Ruth Pack-Adler, Esq.
A Manifestation Determination Review (MDR) is a crucial meeting when a student with a disability faces disciplinary action. Learn how to effectively prepare for an MDR, understand key legal protections, and challenge improper discipline decisions.
12:00pm – 1:00pm Lunch Break
1:00pm – 1:50pm Session 4 - Understanding Truancy & Attendance Laws, w/ Jacquelyn Kmetz, Esq.
School attendance policies can be confusing, and truancy issues can lead to serious consequences for students and families. This session will explain state truancy laws, school responsibilities, and how to address attendance challenges while protecting student rights.
1:50pm – 2:00pm Break
2:00pm – 2:50pm Session 5 - Aide Support and Related Services: Legal Requirements and Practical Solutions, w/ Danielle Randolph, M.Ed., Ed.S.
Many students require aides or related services to access their education, but obtaining these supports can be challenging. This session will cover legal requirements under IDEA and Section 504, best practices for requesting services, and how to advocate for appropriate support in IEPs and 504 Plans.
2:50pm – 3:00pm Break
3:00pm – 3:50pm Session 6 - The 2025 Student’s Point of View: An Updated Perspective on Student Challenges, w/ Mark Weiker, Esq.
This session offers insight from a student rights attorney on the challenges middle and high school students face with school rules and discipline. It will explore societal pressures, common disciplinary traps, and theories behind rising discipline rates.
3:50pm – 4:00pm Break
4:00pm – 4:50pm Ask the Experts: Live Q&A on Student Rights & Advocacy
Join a panel of experienced attorneys and advocates to discuss key takeaways from the day’s sessions. Attendees can ask questions about the presentations or submit questions in advance when registering.
4:50pm – 5:00pm Final Remarks, w/ Mark Weiker, Esq., Liz Abdnour, Esq. and Heather Eckner
CLICK THE BUTTON BELOW TO REGISTER FOR THE 2025 STUDENT RIGHTS CONFERENCE: