Thomas E. Wheeler, II

Partner

Indianapolis, IN

Washington, D.C.

Office Phone Number 317.237.3810 Email
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Biography

Tom is a partner of Frost Brown Todd and a principal in the Government Services and Appellate practice groups. Tom has extensive experience in representing individuals, private businesses, and governmental entities in regulatory, administrative, trial and appellate matters in local, state and federal venues and heads up the firm’s Regulatory and Administrative Law practice.

Tom’s prior federal service includes working as the Acting Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights at the United States Department of Justice where he oversaw the Appellate, Criminal, Disability Rights, Education, Employment, Federal Coordination and Compliance, Housing and Civil Enforcement, Immigrant and Employee Rights, Policy and Strategy, Special Litigation and Voting Sections. Tom also served as a Senior Adviser to the White House Federal Commission on School Safety which was created to respond to several high profile deadly school shootings. He served as a liaison between the four FCSS members, the Secretary of Education, the Attorney General, the Secretary for Health & Human Services, and the Secretary for the Department of Homeland Security and had primary responsibility for the final report issued in December 2018. During this time he also worked closely with the Domestic Policy Council and other White House entities on these issues.

Tom also served as Senior Counsel to the Secretary of Education focusing on COVID-19 issues including working with the CDC and HHS to develop guidelines for the safe reopening of schools as well as with the White House Coronavirus Task Force.

In addition, Tom served as General Counsel to the National Sheriffs’ Association where he provided legal advice to more than 3,000 elected Sheriffs and their offices throughout the United States and has been asked to serve on many Boards and Commissions including as Chair of the Hate Crimes Sub-Committee for the Federal Violent Crime Reduction Task Force, as a member of the Department of Justice’s Regulatory Reform Task Force, and on the federal COVID-19 response focusing on law enforcement & jails/prisons where he served as a consultant to the CDC.

Throughout his career Tom has fought against the scourges of hate speech and cyberbullying. At the Department of Justice, he made fighting hate crimes a priority. As a member of the Alliance for Asian American Justice, Tom provides pro bono assistance to Asians who have been the subject of hate crimes. He recently represented the family of Shane Nguyen, a 55-year old Vietnamese immigrant who was killed and his body dismembered in Fort Wayne, Indiana. This horrific killing resulted in a national media spotlight and Tom assisted the Nguyen family, working with law enforcement and prosecutors leading to the eventual conviction of the perpetrators for murder, assisting with the media, and handling Mr. Nguyen’s estate.

Tom also provides legal advice on campaign, finance, and election issues to political parties and candidates throughout the United States including former Indiana Governor and later Vice President Mike Pence. He is a former Chair of the Indiana Recount and the Indiana Election Commissions and was instrumental in the enactment and implementation of Indiana’s landmark voter ID law, affirmed by the United States Supreme Court in Crawford v. Marion County Election Board, 553 U.S. 181 (2008). His decision in the Charlie White Secretary of State challenge was affirmed by the Indiana Supreme Court in White v. Indiana Democratic Party, 936 N.E. 2d 481 (Ind. 2012).

He is a two-time winner of the Indiana State Bar Association’s Benjamin Harrison Writing Award. He has also won the prestigious Burton Award for Legal Achievement co-sponsored by the Library of Congress for his work on cyberbullying and hate crimes. For many years Tom has been listed in the “The Best Lawyers in America®” as well as being named in “Indiana Super Lawyers®.” In 2016, he was named Municipal Lawyer of the Year.

Tom is admitted to practice law in Indiana and Kentucky only, and he will practice under the supervision of D.C. Bar members.

Tom's Relevant Experience

Litigation Experience

Over the past 29 years Tom has handled hundreds of jury, bench and administrative trials, more than 100 appeals in various state and federal courts as well as the United States Supreme Court. Many of these matters involved Constitutional challenges, usually in the educational or law enforcement context. Tom also has extensive experience filing amici curie briefs before the United States Supreme Court for educational advocacy groups including the National School Boards Association, as well as advocating before Congress and state legislators on various issues.

Judicial Experience

As chair of the bi-partisan Indiana Election Commission (2005-2011) and later the Indiana Recount Commission (208-2009) Tom served as an administrative law judge in hundreds of matters, with several that reached the appellate courts including Indiana Recount Commission v. Indiana Democratic Party ex rel. Parker, 963 N.E.2d 481 (Ind. 2012).

Legislative/Executive Branch Expertise

Tom was an elected member of the Boone County Council (2002-2005), and worked extensively with Indiana Governors Mitch Daniels and Mike Pence on legislative and policy matters, primarily in the education, election, and law enforcement arenas.

Other Info About Tom

Education

Law School

Indiana University Maurer School of Law, J.D., 1987
National Moot Court Team

Undergraduate School

Indiana University, B.S., 1984

Bar Memberships

Tom is licensed to practice in the following state(s):

Indiana

Kentucky

Tom is admitted to practice law in Indiana and Kentucky only, and he will practice under the supervision of D.C. Bar members.

Courts

Tom is admitted to practice before the following court(s):

U.S. Supreme Court

U.S. Court of Appeal for the 3rd Circuit

U.S. Court of Appeal for the 6th Circuit

U.S. Court of Appeal for the 7th Circuit

U.S. Court of Appeal for the 8th Circuit

U.S. Court of Appeal for the 9th Circuit

Recognition

Local & National Recognition

Two-time winner, Benjamin Harrison Writing Award, Indiana State Bar Association, 2003 and 2005

Burton Award for Legal Achievement, co-sponsored by the Library of Congress, for article “Slamming in Cyberspace: The Boundaries of Student First Amendment Rights”, 2004

The Best Lawyers in America©, 2007–2021

The Best Lawyers in America©, Lawyer of the Year, Litigation – Municipal, 2017

Selected for inclusion in Indiana Super Lawyers®, 2009–2010, 2012–2021

AV® Rated, Martindale-Hubbell®

Indianapolis Bar Foundation Distinguished Fellow

Professional Affiliations

Professional Affiliations & Memberships

American Bar Association (1988-Present)(Health Care Reform Task Force, 1993-94

Seventh Circuit Bar Association, Board of Governors, 2006-2014

Federal Bar Association, Indianapolis Chapter, 1996-2014, Secretary, 1999-2000, Vice-President, 2000-2002, President, 2003-2004

Historical Society of the United States District Court for the Southern District of Indiana, Board Member & Fundraising Chair, 2002-2004

Indiana School Safety Specialist Advisory Council Founder and speaker, 1999 – present

Indiana State Bar Association, 1988-Present, Civil Rights Committee, 1993-1994, Council for Employment and Labor Law Board of Directors, 2002-2004, Veterans Affairs, 2014–present

Local Rules Committee for the United States District Court for the Southern District of Indiana, 1999-2000

National School Board Association, Council of School Attorneys, 1989-Present, Board of Directors, 2003-2014, Chair 2010-11, Secretary-2007, Legislative Committee; School Law Seminar Committee, Membership & State Council Relations Committee, Insurance Advisory Committee, Chair, and Publications Committee, Chair

Republican National Lawyers Association – Board Member, First Vice Chair, 2004-2016, 2018 – present and President in 2024, Indiana Chapter, Chair, 2003 – 2007

Defense Trial Counsel of Indiana, 1988-2010, Founder and Chairman of the Employment Law Section, 1997-98, Chair of CLE/Seminar Committee, 1999-2000, Chair of Awards Committee, 2000-2002, Chair of Rules Committee, 2002, Board Member, 1999-2002

Federalist Society – Co-Founder Indiana University Maurer School of Law Chapter, member 1986 – present

Defense Research Institute, 1988 – 2014

We the People Competition, Judge, 2006 – present

Civic Activities

Civic & Charitable Organizations

Republican National Lawyers Association – First Vice-President

White River State Park Commission, 2016-present

USS Indiana (SSN 789) Commissioning Committee, Treasurer, 2017–present

USS Indianapolis (LCS 17) Commissioning Committee, Treasurer, 2017–present

US Commission on Civil Rights, Advisory Committee – Presidential 4 year Appointment, 2021-present

Timmy Global Health, Board Member 2015-2018

Indiana State Recount Commission, Chair, 2009-2010

Indiana Election Commission, Chair, 2005-2010

Boone County Council – Indiana, Elected Member, 2002-2005

Boone County Economic Development Corporation, Board Member, 2003-2005

Presentations

Tom was invited to speak at the following events:

2021

“Students and the 1^st Amendment – Supreme Court Update”. Liberty Mutual Insurance National Webinar (August 12, 2021).

Hostile Actors – Foreign Cyber-Security Threats & Ransomware Keynote Panel Presentation – Tom Wheeler (Panel Chair), former Assistant Attorney General, U.S. Department of Justice; Rear Admiral Gen Price, former Director Office of Naval Intelligence/NMIO; former Acting Secretary of Education, General Mick Zais; Sujit Raman, former Associate Deputy Attorney General, and NSC member, U.S. Department of Justice; Craig Moringiello, former Assistant Special Agent in Charge, Cyber & Counterintelligence Branch, FBI. Indiana Chamber of Commerce, Cyber Technology Conference & Policy Summit, Indianapolis, Indiana (January 24, 2021).

School Safety Issues for the 2021-2022 School Year Indiana School Resources Officers Association Annual Conference, Michigan City, Indiana (June 23, 2021).

An Inside Look at the Department of Justice Luncheon Presentation, Tom Wheeler (Panel Chair), Former Acting Assistant Attorney General, Civil Rights Division; Chad A. Readler Judge, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, Former Acting Assistant Attorney General, Civil Division; Rod J. Rosenstein, Former Deputy Attorney General, United States Department of Justice, Josh Minkler, Former United States Attorney, Southern District of Indiana. Federalist Society for Law and Public Policy Studies, Indianapolis, Indiana (May 17, 2021).

COVID-19 and Police Reform: Impacts on School Safety: A Federal Perspective Tom Wheeler (Panel Chair), Former Senior Advisor & Counsel to the Secretary, U.S. Department of Education; General Mick Zais, Former Acting United States Secretary of Education, Sean Keveny, Deputy General Counsel, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services at HHS (Webinar, February 5, 2021).

2020

The 2020 Election: Challenges for Law Enforcement Indiana Sheriffs Association Winter Conference (Webinar, December 2, 2020).

“COVID-19 Issues in Education and Police Reform.” Liberty Mutual Insurance National Webinar (October 22, 2020).

“Common Sense Police Reform: Lessons Learned from Investigating & Prosecuting Excessive Force Cases.” Indiana Sheriffs Association, Kentucky Sheriffs Association, Buckeye State Sheriffs’ Association, and Tennessee Sheriffs’ Association (Webinar, September 24, 2020).

“A conversation on school reopening and COVID-19 with Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos.” Republican National Lawyers Association (Webinar, August 7, 2020).

“Qualified Immunity: A Short Primer.” Indiana Sheriffs’ Association Annual Conference Alternative (Webinar, August 5, 2020).

Common Sense Police Reform: Lessons Learned from Investigating & Prosecuting Excessive Force Cases Indiana Sheriffs’ Association Annual Conference (French Lick, Indiana, August 6, 2020) Postponed due to COVID-19, given as a Webinar.

Legal Issues Concerning Presidential Campaigns and Candidates Republican National Lawyers Association, Election Law School – Tom Wheeler (Panel Chair) RNLA Vice-President; Vice-Stefan Passantino – former Associate Deputy White Counsel, Senior Advisor Donald J. Trump for President, Inc.; Matt Morgan, former Deputy Chief of Staff and Counsel to Vice-President Mike Pence, EDO Director of Litigation & Legislation, Donald J. Trump for President, Inc.; and, Stuart McCommas, former Deputy White House Counsel, Executive Director, Lawyers for Trump; The Greenbriar, West Virginia (July 10, 2020).

Improving Law Enforcement: Framing the Issues for Sheriffs U.S. Department of Justice and Major county Sheriffs’ Association; Tom Wheeler (Panel Chair), Former Acting Assistant Attorney General, Civil Rights Division; Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian, President, Major County Sheriffs’ of America; Rod Rosenstein, Former Deputy Attorney General, U.S. Department of Justice; Deborah Spence, Assistant Director, Training & Partner Engagement, COPS Office, U.S. Department of Justice; Sheriff Steve Luce (Ret.), Executive Director, Indiana Sheriffs’ Association; and, Sheriff David Mahoney, President, National Sheriffs’ Association (Webinar, 06/24/20).

“COVID-19 Hospital Funding & Other Related Issues.” Kentucky and West Virginia Hospital Associations (Webinar, May 21, 2020).

Combatting COVID-19 Fraud & Price-Gouging U.S. Department of Justice and National Sheriffs’ Association – Tom Wheeler (Panel Chair), General Counsel National Sheriffs’ Association; Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen; Associate Deputy Attorney General Bill Hughes; U.S. Attorney (NJ) Craig Carpenito; Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian Rabbitt (Criminal Division); Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Ethan Davis (Civil Division); Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General David Burns (National Security Division); Calvin Shivers, Assistant Director, FBI Criminal Investigative Division (Webinar, April 29, 2020).

The Stafford Act & Other COVID-19 Funding Resources DHS-FEMA; DOJ-COPs Office; National Sheriffs’ Association; Tom Wheeler (Panel Chair), General Counsel National Sheriffs’ Association; Jack Rauch, Associate Director of the Office of Public Liaison at the White House; Brian Morgenstern, Deputy Assistant Secretary, U.S. Department of the Treasury, Alejandro Mayorkas, former Deputy Secretary, Department of Homeland Security; and, Thomas Robinson, Public Assistance Field Instructor, FEMA, Phil Keith, Director, Community Oriented Policing and Mike Costigan, Acting Director Bureau of Justice Affairs, Department of Justice – Slide Deck (Webinar, April 15, 2020).

COVID-19 Law Enforcement & Jails/Prisons Guidance Indiana Sheriffs Association, Kentucky Sheriffs Association, Buckeye State Sheriffs’ Association, and Tennessee Sheriffs’ Association (Webinar, April 8, 2020).

The Stafford Act & Other COVID-19 Funding Resources Indiana Sheriffs Association, Kentucky Sheriffs Association, Buckeye State Sheriffs’ Association, and Tennessee Sheriffs’ Association (Webinar, April 1, 2020).

CDC Update on COVID-19 Law Enforcement & Jails/Prisons Guidances Moderator – Centers for Disease Control (Webinar, March 27, 2020).

“Answering Manufacturer’s Questions about COVID-19 Kentucky Association of Manufacturers (Webinar, March 25, 2020).

Republican National Lawyer’s Association 2020 National Policy Conference and RNLA’s 35th Anniversary Celebration. Conference Chair, National Press Club, Washington, D.C. (April 24, 2020). Postponed due to COVID-19.

The 2020 Election: Educational Policy Proposals from the Campaigns Indiana State University, Guest Lecturer. (March 6, 2020).

FACEBOOK & End to End Encryption – Law Enforcement Going Dark? Tom Wheeler (Panel Chair), General Counsel National Sheriffs’ Association; Sujit Raman, Associate Deputy Attorney General, and NSC member, U.S. Department of Justice; and FBI Deputy Director. National Sheriff’s Association Winter Legislative & Technology Conference. Washington, D.C. (February 8, 2020). “Careers at the United States Department of Justice.” Indiana University Mauer School of Law. Bloomington, Indiana. (February 6, 2020).

2019

Update from DC: School Safety Indiana Sheriffs Association’s SaferWatch School Safety Workshop. Indianapolis, Indiana (December 11, 2019).

Cybersecurity: Tales from the Front Louisville Techfest. Louisville, Kentucky. (August 22, 2019). TechFest is hosted by the Technology Association of Louisville Kentucky (TALK). TALK is Kentucky’s tech council and a member of the Technology Councils of North America (TECNA).

Briefing on the Federal Commission on School Safety’s Final Report. Keynote Address. Missouri Safe Schools and Colleges Conference. Springfield, Missouri. (July 8, 2019).

School Safety and Local Law Enforcement National Sheriff’s Association Annual Conference. Louisville, Kentucky (June 16, 2019).

A Report from the DOJ & ED on Regulatory Changes the Affect Schools The New York State Association of School Attorneys and the New York State School Boards Association’s 19^th Annual School Attorney Law Conference. Bolton Landing, New York (June 1, 2019).

Changes to ED and DOJ and What They Mean for School Lawyers National School Boards Association’s Annual Conference, School Law Seminar, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (March 30, 2019).

Careers at the United States Department of Justice Indiana University Mauer School of Law. Bloomington, Indiana. (February 6, 2019).

Five Key Takeaways from the Federal Commission on School Safety’s Final Report Luncheon Presentation, Indiana School Boards Association’s School Safety/Cybersecurity Seminar. Indianapolis, Indiana (January 11, 2019).

Hostile Actors – Foreign Cyber-Security Threats Keynote Panel Presentation, Indiana Chamber of Commerce, Cyber Technology Conference & Policy Summit, Indianapolis, Indiana (January 8, 2019).

2018

School Safety: Legal and Public Policy Issues Indianapolis Bar Association. Indianapolis, Indiana (November 28, 2018).

“The Latest on School Safety Strategies” Ohio School Boards Association, Capital Conference, Columbus, Ohio (November 13, 2018).

School Police Partnerships National Sheriffs Association, Board and State Executive Director’s Retreat, French Lick, Indiana (October 8, 2018).

Listening Session/Update on FCSS Ohio School Security and Safety Solutions Summit, Columbus, Ohio (September 12, 2018).

“Listening Session/Update on FCSS with Deputy Secretary Zais.” National School Boards Association Leadership Conference, Chicago, Illinois (August 17, 2018). https://www.nsba.org/events.

“The Role of School Safety Officers in EOPs.” National Association of School Law Enforcement Officers 49^th Annual Conference, Melville, Long Island, New York (July 30, 2018). http://www.nassleo.org/conference49.php.

FCSS Update National Sheriffs Association, Annual Conference, New Orleans, Louisiana (June 18, 2018).

Practitioner in Residence Maurer School of Law at Indiana University Bloomington – Bloomington, Indiana – Spring Semester, 2018.

Republican National Lawyer’s Association Annual Policy Conference. Conference Chair. Speakers included FCC Chair Ajit Pai, Secretary of Labor Alex Acosta, former Solicitor General Paul Clement, former Attorney General Michael Mukasey, RAGA Chair Lesley Rutledge, Citizens United President David Bossie, and EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt. The entire event was covered live on C-Span: Republican National Lawyer’s Association, Washington, D.C. (April 26-27, 2018).

Government Service Bar Leadership Series, Indianapolis Bar Association. Indianapolis, Indiana (January 16, 2018).

2017

Lessons from a year at the U.S. Department of Justice Defense Trial Counsel of Indiana Annual Conference, Opening Session, French Lick, Indiana (November 10, 2017).

Careers at the United States Department of Justice Indiana University Mauer School of Law. Bloomington, Indiana. (November 2, 2020).

Current trends in Policing The Ohio State University, Michael E. Moritz College of Law, Guest Lecturer, Columbus, Ohio (November 1, 2017).

Civil Rights in the US: The World is Watching: A Wide Ranging Conversation with Thomas E. Wheeler, II – Former Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights, United States Department of Justice Foreign Policy Leadership Council, Xavier University, Cincinnati, Ohio (October 26, 2017).

Federal Civil Rights Enforcement in Public Schools: Policy and Enforcement Priorities of the Administration. Opening General Session. National School Boards Association’s Council of School Council of School Attorney’s Annual School Law Conference, Chicago, Illinois (October 20, 2017).

One year In: Changes in Civil Rights Enforcement Priorities Opening Session, New York School Boards Association Annual Meeting, Lake Placid, New York (October 11, 2017).

Latino-Jewish Leadership Council Convenes in Washington for Day of Advocacy – Tom Wheeler, Acting Assistant Attorney General, Civil Rights Division, Department of Justice, and Ambassador Kevin K. Sullivan, interim U.S. Permanent Representative to the Organization of American States (OAS), addressed the Council over dinner marking the start of the series of advocacy meetings Latino-Jewish Leadership Council. Washington D.C. (July 13, 2017).

National Hate Crimes Summit – Chairman. Transcript of Attorney General Jeff Sessions’ Opening Remarks: “Good morning, everyone. … [I] want to thank Acting Assistant Attorney General Tom Wheeler and Deputy Assistant Attorney General Robert Moossy of our Civil Rights Division for putting together this important summit. I am grateful to all of you for being here, and for your help in addressing this problem.” Washington, D.C. (June 29, 2017).

Featured Session – A View from the New Administration: Thomas Wheeler, Acting Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division at the U.S. Department of Justice, and Candice Jackson, Acting Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights at the U.S. Department of Education, will address the Departments’ key priorities as they relate to higher education.” National Association of College & University Attorneys, Chicago, Illinois (June 27, 2017).

Advocacy on the Hill Day “The panelists at the event included Tom Wheeler, Acting Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Justice; Michael Lieberman, Anti-Defamation League and convener of the Hate Crimes Coalition Taskforce; Ron Mori, Japanese American Citizens League; Sushil Pandit, CEO of Hive Communication and co-founder of Roots in Kashmir; Seth Oldmixon, founder of Liberty South Asia; and Anita Wadhwani, India country director, Office of the Secretary of Defense, Asian and Pacific Security Affairs.” Hindu-American Foundation, Washington, D.C. (June 19, 2017).

Responding to Discrimination, Harassment & OCR Complaints New York School Boards Association’s School Law Seminar, Lake George, New York (June 5, 2017).

Assistant AG for Civil Rights Pledges to Make Hate Crimes a Priority “After lobbying, participants heard from Thomas Wheeler, Acting Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights at the Department of Justice, who promised to vigorously prosecute hate crimes.” Luncheon Speaker, Anti-Defamation League, Washington, D.C. (May 12, 2017) https://www.adl.org/blog/adl-convenes-national-leadership-summit-in-washington; Transcript of speech.

A Candid Conversation with the NEW Acting Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights National School Boards Association’s Annual Conference, School Law Seminar, Denver, Colorado (March 25, 2017).

CRCL Convenes ICCT Call with Jewish and Muslim Communities Department of Homeland Security, Washington, D.C. (March 2, 2017).

“Service Member’s Rights under SCRA, UOCAVA, and USEERA” United States Navy – United States Naval Air Station, Pensacola, Florida (February 28, 2017).

Seminar to teach Air Commandos to “Know your rights” United States Air Force – Hulbert Field, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida (February 27, 2017).

2015

“Ritz v. SBOE & Other Epic Battles in the 2015 Indiana General Assembly.” Indiana State University, Guest Lecturer (April 22, 2015).

Program Chair, Republican National Lawyers Association 30th Anniversary and National Policy Conference, “The Rise of the Imperial Presidency”, Washington, D.C. – Televised live on C-Span, featured speakers included Senator Orrin Hatch, Senator Rob Portman, Senator Bob Corker, Attorney General John Ashcroft, Governor Robert Ehrlich, Jr., (March 19, 2015).

“National Security Law.” Republican National Lawyers Association Conference, Washington D.C. (March 10, 2015).

2014

“Student Diversity Issues”, Green River Educational Cooperative’s Annual School Law Institute, Bowling Green, Kentucky (August 21, 2014).

“EAC and Military Voting Issues” – Panel Chair, Republican National Lawyers Association Annual Election Law School, Las Vegas, Nevada (August 11, 2014).

“Transgender Issues in Schools”, Kentucky School Boards Association’s Annual School Law Seminar, Lexington, Kentucky (July 11, 2014).

“Economic Liberty, Free Enterprise and Happiness” – Panel chair, panel members included Arthur C. Brooks, President of the American Enterprise Institute, William Barr, 77^thAttorney General of the United States, and Clilnt Bolick, Director of the Goldwater Institute’s Schaft-Norton Center for Constitutional Litigation – republican National Lawyers Association Annual Policy Conference, Washington, D.C. (March 20, 2014).

2013

“Armed Teachers in Schools, a Legislative Overview.” National School Boards Association’s Council of School Attorneys School Law Conference, Nashville, Tennessee (October 10, 2013).

“Ethics in Campaigns, an Oxymoron?” Republican National Lawyers Association, Election Law School, Chicago, Illinois (August 7, 2013).

“Arming Teachers to Prevent Tragedies, Responding to Sandy Hook.” Liberty Mutual Insurance National Webinar (January 22, 2013).

2012

“Are We Ready for the New Politics?” BGD Legislative Conference, Indianapolis, Indiana (December 13, 2012).

Moderator, Iowa Governor’s Bullying Prevention Summit, Des Moines, Iowa (November 27, 2012).

“Litigation Over Indiana’s Photo ID Law.” Republican National Lawyers Association, Election Law School, Sarasota, Florida (August 24, 2012).

“Shooting in Martinsville, A School in Crisis: Tips & Tactics for Handling Parents, Police & Press,” Indiana School Safety Academy (April 24, 2012).

“Student Free Speech in the Age of Social Media, Texting and Sexting,” ABA Section of Litigation, Annual CLE Conference, Washington D.C. (April 19, 2012).

2011

“Election Commission and Recount Commission Proceedings.” Indiana Continuing Legal Education Foundation, Indianapolis, Indiana (December 22, 2011).

“Introduction to the 1st Amendment.” Boone County Bar Association Annual CLE Program, Lebanon, Indiana (November 4, 2011).

“Tips and Strategies for Handling Crisis Media.” National School Boards Association’s Council of School Attorneys Annual Conference, New Orleans, Louisiana (October 15, 2011).

“Legislative Update: Indiana’s Educational Reform.” Indiana State University, Guest Lecturer (April 13, 2011).

“Facebook Fatalities: Student, Social Networking, & the 1st Amendment.” National School Boards Association Annual Conference, San Francisco, California (April 10, 2011).

“Hazing in Schools – A School Attorney’s Guide.” NSBA/COSA’s Inquiry & Analysis (April, 2011).

2010

“Student Cyberspeech, Facts & Figures,” Boone County Juvenile Justice Meeting Lebanon, Indiana (March 2010).

“Tips on Helping School Districts Move Through Tough Economic Times: A Town Meeting”, National School Boards Association Annual Conference Chicago, Illinois (April 9, 2010).

“Issues with Electronic Communication.” Indiana State University, Guest Lecturer (April 14, 2010).

“Dangers of Cyberspeech: Cyber-Bullying, Cyber-Communication, and Sexting.” Indiana School Safety Academy, Indianapolis, Indiana (April 19, 2010).

“Cyberlaw Seminar: RU on FACEBOOK?” Ohio School Boards Association Conference, Cleveland, Ohio (May 11, 2010).

“Cyberlaw Seminar: RU on FACEBOOK?” Ohio School Boards Association Conference, Columbus, Ohio (May 19, 2010).

“Teacher Free Speech in the Internet Age.” Indiana Public Charter Schools Association, Indianapolis, Indiana (June 18, 2010).

“The 1^st Amendment in Schools.” Liberty Mutual Insurance, Indianapolis, Indiana (August 24, 2010).

“Dangers of Cyberspeech: Cyber-Bullying, Cyber-Communication, and Sexting.” Indiana School Safety Specialist Academy, Indianapolis, Indiana (October 26, 2010).

“The 1^st Amendment in the Classroom.” Indiana State University, Guest Lecturer (November 18, 2010).

“Problems with Predators: The Dark Side of Social Networking.” Indiana School Boards Association’s School Law Seminar, Indianapolis, Indiana (December 10, 2010).

2009

“When Teachers Go Wild on the Web: Legal Risks for Schools”, National School Boards Association’s School Law Conference, Seattle, Washington (October 16, 2009).

“Responding to Sexting and Other Inappropriate Student Speech”, Liberty Mutual Insurance Company Nationwide Webinar (October 6, 2009).

“Indiana’s Photo ID Law and ACORN Voter Fraud”, Republican National Lawyers Association National Election Law School, Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, Simi Valley, California (August 14, 2009).

“Why is it so Hard to Fire Bad Teachers?” Indiana Department of Education, Indianapolis, Indiana (July 16, 2009).

“What Happened to AIG?” Defense Trial Counsel of Indiana, Indianapolis, Indiana (June 24, 2009).

“Hold Your Tongue, Mates: Cyber-Bullying and the Boundaries of Student Free Speech”, 2009 PGIT^®Membership Conference, “Navigation through Education”, Orlando, Florida (May 7, 2009).

“Tips and Tactics for Responding to Cyber-Bullying and Other Problem Electronic Communications”, National School Boards Association Annual Conference, San Diego, California (April 5, 2009).

“Indiana’s Photo ID Law”, Testimony to the Texas Senate meeting as a Joint Committee, Austin, Texas (March 10, 2009).

2008

“Cell Phones in Schools” – Speaker – Indiana School Boards Association’s School Law Seminar, Indianapolis, Indiana (December 12, 2008).

“1^st Amendment Rights of Students” – Speaker – American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana Legal Seminar, Indianapolis, Indiana (December 5, 2008).

“School Law Lab, A primer in school law for board members”, National School Boards Association Annual Conference, Orlando, Florida (March 31, 2008).

Seminar Chair – “Election Law”, Indiana Continuing Legal Education Forum, Indianapolis, Indiana (March 18, 2008).

2007

“Lessons from the Lord of the Flies: Techniques for Handling Cyberbullying”, Indiana School Boards Association’s School Law Seminar, Indianapolis, Indiana (December 14, 2007).

“Creative Methods of Limiting Liability Under the Indiana Tort Claims Act”, Speaker – Municipal Law XXIV, Indiana Municipal Lawyers Association/Indiana Association of Cities and Towns, Indianapolis, Indiana (June 22, 2007).

“Ten Things Your Attorney Wants to Tell You But Can’t” – National School Boards Association’s Annual Conference, San Francisco, California (April 16, 2007).

“The Nuts and Bolts of Handling Insured Litigation” – National School Boards Association’s Council of School Attorney’s Conference, San Francisco, California (April 14, 2007).

“Personnel Issues for School Superintendents” Guest Lecturer, Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana (March 8, 2007).

2006

“Litigating Teacher 1^st Amendment Cases”, Georgia School Boards Association, Atlanta, Georgia (November 30, 2006).

“War Protesters, Dope Smokers & OJ Simpson: The 1^st Amendment in the Classroom”, National School Boards Association’s Council of School Attorney’s Annual School Law Conference, Kansas City, Missouri (October 3, 2006).

“Emerging Legal Issues for Indiana School Boards” – Indiana School Boards Association’s Annual Conference, Indianapolis, Indiana (September 26, 2006).

“Who Controls the Classroom? Teacher Free Speech Rights”, Indiana School Boards Association’s School Law Seminar, Indianapolis, Indiana (June 15, 2006).

“School Law Potpourri for Affiliated School Boards”, National School Boards Association’s Annual Conference, Chicago, Illinois (April 10, 2006).

“Emerging Legal Issues for School Boards”, National School Boards Association’s Annual Conference, Chicago, Illinois (April 10, 2006).

“Appellate and Trial Court Advocacy for the School Attorney”, Kentucky School Boards Association, Louisville, Kentucky (January 27, 2006).

2005

“Police in the Schools”, Indiana School Boards Association’s School Law Seminar, Indianapolis, Indiana (June 15, 2005).

“School Law Potpourri for Affiliated School Boards”, National School Boards Association’s Annual Conference, San Diego, California (April 17, 2005).

“School Resource Officers”, National School Boards Association’s Annual Conference, San Diego, California (April 16, 2005).

“Schools and the Police: A Sometimes Uneasy Alliance”, National School Boards Association’s Council of School Attorney’s School Annual Conference, San Diego, California (April 14, 2005).

“Camels & Tents: The Risks of Accepting Government Money”, National Catholic Education Association School Conference, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (March 31, 2005).

2004

“Teacher 4^th Amendment Rights”, Indiana School Boards Association’s Annual School Law Seminar, Indianapolis, Indiana (December 10, 2004).

“Drug Testing and Schools”, Indiana Civil Liberties Union, Indianapolis, Indiana (December 10, 2004).

“Appellate and Trial Court Advocacy for the School Attorney”, National School Boards Association’s Council of School Attorney’s Annual School Law Conference, Savannah, Georgia (October 8, 2004).

“Same Day Voting and Voter Registration”, Republican National Lawyers Association 2004 Election Law School, Milwaukee, Wisconsin (July 17, 2004).

“School Law Potpourri for Affiliated School Boards”, National School Boards Association’s Annual Conference, Orlando, Florida (April 2, 2004).

2003

“Responding to Student Health Emergencies at School”, Indiana School Boards Association’s Annual School Law Seminar, Indianapolis, Indiana (December 12, 2003).

“From ‘In God we Trust’ to the Ten Commandments: The Secularization of Religious Symbols in America”, Debate with ICLU Executive Director Ken Falk at the Defense Trial Counsel of Indiana Annual Meeting, Indianapolis, Indiana (November 21, 2003).

“Ethics & Employment Law”, Indiana State Bar Association Council for Employment and Labor Law, Indianapolis, Indiana (October 23, 2003).

“Introduction to School Insurance Policies”, National School Boards Association’s Council of School Attorney’s Annual School Law Conference, Phoenix, Arizona (October 10, 2003).

“The Federal Courts an Inside Look”, Federal Bar Association, Indianapolis Chapter, Indianapolis, Indiana (September 26, 2003).

“FLSA Class Action Claims”, Municipal Law XX, Indiana Municipal Lawyers Association/Indiana Association of Cities and Towns, Indianapolis, Indiana (June 17, 2003).

“Can You Shout Food Fight in a Crowded Cafeteria?”, Virginia Commonwealth University, Virginia Education Law Conference, Williamsburg, Virginia (April 25, 2003)(EA# 032481).

“Student Free Speech Issues”, National School Boards Association’s Annual Conference, San Francisco, California (April 7, 2003).

“School Law Potpourri for Affiliated School Boards”, National School Boards Association’s Annual Conference, San Francisco, California (April 7, 2003).

2002

“Academic Freedom: Do Teachers Have the Right to Communicate Their Personal Views in the Classroom on Such Topics as Collective Bargaining, Religion, and Morality?”, Indiana School Boards Association’s Annual School Law Seminar, Indianapolis, Indiana (December 13, 2002).

“Ban Notices Enforcing Constitutional Controls in Public Housing”, Housing Authority Defense Association, Boulder Colorado (June, 2002).

“There Goes the Settlement: Attorney’s Fees after Buckhannon”, LRP Publications 23^rd National Institute on Legal Issues of Educating Individuals with Disabilities, Tampa, Florida(May 7-8, 2002).

“Teacher Sexual Misconduct: Legal Liability Issues”, Guest Lecturer, Indiana State University, Terre Haute, Indiana (April 19, 2002).

“Talk Isn’t Cheap: Debating the Price of Free Speech in Public Schools”, Debate with ACLU Executive Director Steve Shapiro on Student 1^st and 4^thAmendment Rights, National School Boards Association’s Annual Conference, New Orleans, Louisiana (April 5, 2002).

“Good News Huh: What about the Gay clubs?” National School Boards Association’s Annual Conference, New Orleans, Louisiana (April 6, 2002).

2001

National Public Radio: Justice Talking. Nationally broadcast debate with American University Constitutional Law Professor Jamine Raskin on student 1^st and 4^th Amendment Rights in schools, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

“Recent Developments in Employment Law”, Indiana Continuing Legal Education Foundation, Indianapolis, Indiana (December 11, 2001).

“Handling Teacher/Student Sexual Activities”, Indiana School Boards Association’s Annual School Law Seminar, Indianapolis, Indiana (December 7, 2001).

“Appealing the IDEA Administrative Decision”, Indiana School Boards Association’s Special Education Seminar Indianapolis, Indiana (November 15, 2001).

“What Makes Indiana Special: The 1851 Indiana Constitution”, Indiana Historical Society 81^st Annual Indiana History Conference, Indianapolis, Indiana (November 3, 2001).

“Indiana Constitutional Claims”, Municipal Law XVIII, Indiana Municipal Lawyers Association/Indiana Association of Cities and Towns, Indianapolis, Indiana (June 12, 2001).

“Strippers, Lockers and Drugs: An Update on Student Searches”, Guest Lecturer, Indiana State University, Terre Haute, Indiana (April 20, 2001).

“Pupil Discipline: Questions and Consequences”, National School Boards Association Annual Conference, San Diego, California (March 25, 2001).

“Hot Topics in Indiana School Law”, Lorman Education Services, Indianapolis, Indiana (March 1, 2001).

2000

“Recent Developments in Employment Law”, Indiana Continuing Legal Education Foundation, Indianapolis, Indiana (December 18, 2000).

“Drug Testing and Other Searches Under the Indiana Constitution”, Indiana School Boards Association, Indianapolis, Indiana (December 7, 2000).

“Message in a Bottle: Judicial Activism Under the Indiana Constitution”, Defense Trial Counsel of Indiana Annual Meeting, Indianapolis, Indiana (November 16, 2000).

“Pupil Disciplinary Codes: Bedrock or Quicksand?” Indiana School Boards Association, Indianapolis, Indiana (June 9, 2000).

“The Federal Courts: An Inside Look”, Federal Bar Association/Indiana Lawyer, Indianapolis, Indiana (May 2, 2000).

“Appealing the Administrative IDEA Decision – An Unappealing Proposition”, LRP Publications Special Education Attorneys National Conference, Phoenix, Arizona (February 4, 2000).

1999

“Suing & Defending City Hall: An Updated Look at §1983 Litigation.” Indiana Civil Liberties Union, Indianapolis, Indiana (December 17, 1999).

Defense Trial Counsel of Indiana Annual Meeting, Indianapolis, Indiana (November 18-19, 1999).

“Drug Testing: Past, Present & Future”, National School Boards Association, Council of School Attorney’s Annual School Law Conference, Charleston, South Carolina (October 15, 1999).

“Personnel Law Update 1999”, Council on Education in Management (June 14-15, 1999).

“School Law in Indiana” National Business Institute, Indianapolis, Indiana (May 26, 1999).

“An Update on the ADA” Indiana Continuing Legal Education Foundation, Indianapolis, Indiana (May 21, 1999).

“Suing the Sovereign: New Theories, New Defenses”, Indiana Continuing Legal Education Foundation, Indianapolis, Indiana (April 27, 1999).

“Evaluating a Case for Settlement Purposes”, Defense Trial Counsel of Indiana’s Rookie Law Seminar, Indianapolis, Indiana (March 26, 1999).

1998

“Equal Access Act: Who, When and Where – Update on the Case Law”, Indiana School Boards Association, Indianapolis, Indiana (December 11, 1998).

“Advanced Employment Law”, Indiana Continuing Legal Education Foundation, Indianapolis, Indiana (June 12, 1998).

“Special Education Law in Indiana: Rights and Responsibilities” Professional Development Network, Indianapolis, Indiana (April 17, 1998).

“School Law in Indiana: Harassment in the Schools”, Professional Development Network, Indianapolis, Indiana (February 6, 1998).

1997

“Employment Litigation & Recent Law Developments”, Indiana Continuing Legal Education Foundation, Indianapolis, Indiana (November 7, 1997).

1996

“Current Issues Under Title IX”, Indiana Department of Education, Indianapolis, Indiana (March 22, 1996).

“School Law: Disciplining the Flower Children’s Children”, Medical Educational Services, Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana (September 25, 1996).

“Religious Expression of Teachers: How Far Can it Go?” Indiana School Boards Association, Indianapolis, Indiana (December 13, 1996).

1995

“Motion Practice for the Rookie Defense Lawyer”, Indiana Defense Lawyer’s Association’s Rookie Law Seminar, Indianapolis, Indiana (April 15, 1995).

“Selected Issues in School Law: Title IX and Special Education”, Indiana Continuing Legal Education Foundation, Indianapolis, Indiana (July 11, 1995).

1991

“Discovery of Insurance Company Claims Files (Pre-Richey)”, Indiana Defense Lawyers Association, Indianapolis, Indiana (December, 1991).

Major Publications

Tom is an author or contributor to the following publications:

External Publications

Justices of the Indiana Court of Appeals. Edited by Linda C. Gugin and James E. St. Clair, contributing author (December, 2019)

“The Most Wonderful Time of the Year.” American School Board Journal (December, 2016).

Justices of the Indiana Supreme Court. Edited by Linda C. Gugin and James E. St. Clair, contributing author (January, 2011).

“Hazing In Schools—A School Attorney’s Guide” NSBA/COSA’s Inquiry & Analysis (April 2011).

“Student Press Rights: Fact or Fiction?” NSBA/COSA’s Inquiry & Analysis (June 2010).

“How far is too far? Limiting cyber-speech by students”, School Board News, (April 2008).

“It’s a New Cyber-World Out There: Tips to Avoid Personnel Pitfalls”, The School Administrator, (October, 2007).

“Cyberbullying: What Should Schools Know and Do”, Educator’s Guide to Controlling Sexual Harassment, Vol. 14, No. 8 (May, 2007).

“Lessons from the Lord of the Flies: The Responsibility of Schools to Protect Students from Internet Threats and Cyber-Hate Speech”, 215 Ed.Law Rep. 227 (February 22, 2007).

“Striking a Faustian Bargain: The Boundaries of Public Employee Free Speech Rights”, Res Gestae, (September, 2006).

“Whistleblowers and Naked Cops: The Boundaries of Public Employee Free Speech Rights”, The DRI’s Job Description, (Fall, 2006).

“Lessons from the Lord of the Flies: The Responsibility of Schools to Protect Students from Internet Threats and Cyber-Hate Speech”, The Journal of Internet Law, Vol. 10, No. 1, p. 3 (July, 2006).

“Slamming in Cyberspace: The Boundaries of Student 1^st Amendment Rights”, American School Board Journal, (January, 2005).

“Schools and Police: A Sometimes Uneasy Alliance”, American School Board Journal, (December, 2005).

“Fools’ Names and Fools’ Faces … Internet Temptations”, Indiana Lawyer (January 28, 2004).

“Slamming in Cyberspace: The Boundaries of Student 1^st Amendment Rights”, The Computer & Internet Lawyer, Vol. 21, No. 4, p. 14 (April, 2004).

“Trap for the Unwary: The New E-Government Privacy Rules”, NSBA/COSA’s Inquiry & Analysis, (May, 2004).

“NSBA’s School Law Primer”, Co-Editor (January, 2004).

“Slamming in Cyberspace: The Boundaries of Student 1^st Amendment Rights”, Res Gestae (October, 2003).

“Banality and the Pledge of Allegiance”, Indiana Lawyer (May 21, 2003).

“Answers to Your School Law Questions”, NSBA’s Leadership Insider (September 2003).

“Notes from Counsel”, Actionlines, Indiana Association of Cities and Towns (April, 2002).

“Indiana Supreme Court Clarifies Search Standards Under Indiana Constitution”, Indiana Municipal Lawyers Association (Spring, 2002).

“Changing Presumptions: The first $15,000.00 is free!”, Indiana Lawyer (February 27, 2001).

“Breathalyzer Testing of Students Before School Events”, NSBA/COSA Inquiry & Analysis (April, 2001).

“Drugs, Alcohol & The Indiana Constitution”, Indiana Association of Cities & Towns: Actionlines (June, 2001).

“Defining Judicial Activism Under the Indiana Constitution”, Indiana Lawyer (October 24, 2000).

“Death from a Thousand Cuts: The ACLU’s Attack on Public Education”, NSBA School Board News (August 29, 2000 Vol. 20, No. 16).

“Skating on the Edge of Malpractice: Claims under the Indiana Constitution”, Indiana Lawyer (April 1, 1999).

“Distribution of Religious Materials at School: Lessons from the Bible Belt”, (Religious Liberties News, Vol. 4, No. 1, 1999).

“Boys Will be Boys and Other Myths”, Indiana Lawyer (October 1998).

“Primary and Secondary Teachers’ Religious Expression: The False Analogy”, Religious Liberties News, Vol. 1, No. 2, 1997).

“Religious Expression by Teachers: Whose Classroom is it?”, 118 Ed. Law Rep. 571 (July 24, 1997).

“What’s Happening in …”, International Association of Defense Counsel’s Journal, 64 Def. Couns. J. 414 (July 1997).

“Student Injury: Protecting Your School from Liability”, Contributing Author (LRP Publications, 1996).

“Nominal Damages and Attorney’s Fees: The Pendulum Swings”, Indiana Lawyer. (February 9, 1994).

“The Requirements of Trial Rule 56”, Co-Author, Indiana Continuing Legal Education Foundation (1993).

“Rule 26(B): The Shroud Unravels”, Res Gestae (1992).

Media Commentary

2021

“Praying Coach Case to Test Religious Rights of Public Workers.” Bloomberg Law.

2018

“The Former DOJ Official Behind DeVos’ School Safety Report.” Politico.

“DeVos Taps Former Top DOJ Official for School Safety Team.” Politico.

2017

“Swift Justice: Wheeler led Civil Rights Division at DOJ during, after turbulent transition.” Cover Story, Indiana Lawyer.

“Former DOJ Civil Rights Chief Pushes Back on Sessions’ Critics.” National Law Journal.

“Pence Ally Leaves Top DOJ Civil Rights Post.” The Daily Caller.

“Top Lawyer For Civil Rights At Justice Department Leaving After Roughly 6 Months.” National Public Radio.

“Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division head leaves after 6 months.” Washington Examiner.

“Justice Department says no LGBT protection in federal sex-discrimination law.” Politico.

“Trump’s Office of Civil Rights Is on the Right Path.” National Review.

“Trump administration details new civil rights approach to college attorneys.” Politico.

“National Hate Crimes Summit – Chairman.” Transcript of Attorney General Jeff Sessions’ Opening Remarks: “Good morning, everyone. … [I] want to thank Acting Assistant Attorney General Tom Wheeler and Deputy Assistant Attorney General Robert Moossy of our Civil Rights Division for putting together this important summit. I am grateful to all of you for being here, and for your help in addressing this problem.”

“Trump administration’s top two enforcers of civil rights laws for education promise college lawyers timelier, fairer treatment, but vow no “retreat” on anti-discrimination enforcement.” Inside Higher Education.

“College Lawyers Welcome New Clarity of Education Department’s Office for Civil Rights.” Chronicle of Higher Education.

“Hindu American Foundation’s Annual Advocacy Forum Spotlights Hate Crimes, Terrorism, Civil Rights.” IndiaWest News.

“Authorities investigating whether Kansas triple shooting that killed 1 was a hate crime.” ABC.

“Kansas Man Adam Purinton Faces Hate Crime Indictment in Bar Shooting.” NBC.

“Kansas man charged with hate crime in fatal shooting of Indian engineer.” CBS.

“Kansas man accused of hate crime in death of Indian citizen.” FOX.

“Kansas bar shooting suspect charged with federal hate crimes.” CNN.

“Suspect In Kansas Shooting Faces Possible Hate Crime Charges.” NPR.

“Kansas Man Indicted on Hate Crime Charges in Shooting of Indian Immigrants.” NY Times.

“Kansas man indicted on hate crime charges in shooting of two Indian men.” Washington Post.

“Kansas shooting suspect Purinton charged with Olathe hate crime.” BBC News.

“Kansas man charged with hate crime in killing of Indian: Attacker allegedly yelled ‘get out of my country’ before opening fire on two Indian men, killing one of them, in a bar.” Aljazeera.

“DOJ Closes Investigation Into Death of Alton Sterling Without Violence, After Initial Shooting Led to Riots and the Ambush Killing of Three Police Officers in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.”

“Why the Justice Department didn’t press charges in the Alton Sterling case.” ABC.

“Alton Sterling Case Seen as Bellwether of Jeff Sessions’ Justice Department.” NBC.

“Alton Sterling shooting death not expected to lead to federal charges.” CBS.

“Alton Sterling case: US attorney details why no charges filed in shooting.” FOX.

“Why the feds did not file charges in Alton Sterling’s death.” CNN.

“Baton Rouge Officers Won’t Face Federal Charges In Killing Of Alton Sterling.” NPR.

“Sessions Closed Sterling Case. Odds Are, His Predecessor Would Have, Too.” N.Y. Times.

“Justice Department reveals decision not to charge officers in Alton Sterling case.” Washington Post.

“Former North Charleston, South Carolina, Police Department (NCPD) Officer Michael Slager, 35, pleaded guilty to a federal civil rights offense for his fatal shooting of Walter Scott, Jr. on April 4, 2015. Life sentence sought.”

“Michael Slager pleads guilty in connection with killing of Walter Scott.” ABC.

“Michael Slager, Ex-Cop Who Shot Walter Scott, Pleads Guilty in Civil Rights Case.” NBC.

“Michael Slager pleads guilty to civil rights charge in Walter Scott shooting.” CBS.

“Walter Scott shooting: SC ex-cop pleads guilty to civil rights violation.” FOX.

“Ex-officer Michael Slager pleads guilty in shooting death of Walter Scott.” CNN.

“Former S.C. Police Officer Pleads Guilty In Shooting Of Walter Scott.” NPR.

“Ex-Officer Who Shot Walter Scott Pleads Guilty in Charleston.” NY Times.

“Former S.C. police officer pleads guilty in fatal shooting caught on video.” Washington Post.

“Michael Slager, officer who fatally shot Walter Scott in South Carolina, pleads guilty in federal case.” L.A. Times.

“U.S./Israeli Man Charged in Connection with Threats to Jewish Community Centers.”

“U.S.-Israeli teen charged with threatening Jewish centers.” USA Today.

“Israeli-American man, 18, is charged with threatening Jewish centers, schools and flights across the US with a ‘bloodbath’.” UK Daily Mail. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4437384/Israeli-American-charged-threatening-Jewish-centers.html#ixzz4rXqISVW9.

“Justice Dept. Charges Man in Threat Hoaxes to Jewish Community Centers.” NBC.

“Dual US-Israeli citizen charged with threatening Jewish community centers, DOJ says.” FOX.

“Feds say JCC bomb threat suspect ran paid service on Dark Web.” CNN.

“Israeli American teen suspected of Jewish center bomb threats faces federal charges.” LA Times.

“Arson Awareness Week – ‘Arson against houses of worship is a serious crime that the Department of Justice is committed to prosecuting to the fullest extent of the law,’ said Acting Assistant Attorney General Tom Wheeler of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division.” Indianapolis Recorder.

“Cross-burnings Still a ‘Tool of Fear’ Used by Racists.” Southern Poverty Law Center.

Statement to the Organization for Security and Co-Operation in Europe – “United States Mission to the OSCE: Hate Crimes in the United States – As delivered by Charge d’Affaires, a.i. Kate M. Byrnes to the Permanent Council, Vienna.”

“In keeping with the U.S. practice of openly discussing challenges our country faces in upholding our common OSCE commitments, we are reporting to the Permanent Council on recent hate-related violence in the United States. * * * Acting Assistant Attorney General Thomas Wheeler stated that Mr. Jones had ‘made violent threats in an attempt to extinguish people’s economic livelihood simply because of their religion,’ and reaffirmed the Justice Department’s commitment to vigorously prosecute the federal laws that prohibit such conduct.”

Post Freddie Gray Entry of Baltimore Police Consent Decree.

“Mandated police reform could make Baltimore ‘less safe,’ Attorney General Sessions says.” ABC.

“Justice Department Cites ‘Grave Concerns’ About Baltimore Police Reform.” NBC.

“Judge approves Baltimore police reform despite Trump DOJ calls to delay.” CBS.

“DOJ expresses ‘grave concerns’ over Baltimore police deal with Obama administration.” FOX.

“Federal judge in Baltimore approves sweeping plan for police reforms.” CNN.

“Baltimore, DOJ Reach Agreement On Consent Decree For Baltimore Police.” NPR.

“Judge Approves Consent Decree to Overhaul Baltimore Police Dept.” NY Times.

“Federal judge approves Baltimore police consent decree.” Washington Post.

“Federal judge approves Baltimore policing consent decree, denying Justice Department request for delay.” Baltimore Sun.

“Justice Department Considering Reopening Emmett Till Murder Case, Family Says.” NBC News.

“Wheeler said ‘the Department is currently assessing whether the newly revealed statement could warrant additional investigation,’ in a letter to Thompson this week, provided to NBC News by the congressman’s office. But reminded him it would not be an easy task. ‘We caution, however, that even with our best efforts, investigations into historic cases are exceptionally difficult, and there may be insurmountable legal and evidentiary barriers to bringing federal charges against any remaining living persons,’ he wrote.”

“Assistant Attorney General Wheeler Appointed by Attorney General Sessions to Task Force on Crime Reduction and Public Safety and Asked to Chair the Hate Crimes Subcommittee.”

“On April 5, 2017, Attorney General Sessions released details about the Department’s Task Force on Crime Reduction and Public Safety. The Attorney General highlighted the importance of combating hate crimes by creating, as part of that overall Committee, a Hate Crimes Subcommittee. The Attorney General stressed in the statement he made announcing the Subcommittee’s creation:

“We will not tolerate threats or acts of violence targeting any person or community in this country on the basis of their religious beliefs or background. Accordingly, the Hate Crimes Subcommittee will develop a plan to appropriately address hate crimes to better protect the rights of all Americans.”

The Hate Crimes Subcommittee is led by Acting Assistant Attorney General Tom Wheeler, and is made up of subject matter experts including career prosecutors in the Civil Rights Division, United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division of the Department of Justice. The Hate Crime Subcommittee also includes FBI agents with supervisory authority over hate crime investigations and FBI agents who oversee FBI’s hate crime data collection.

“The White House installed 4 pro-gun lawyers at the Justice Department — here’s what we know about them.” Business Insider.

“Assistant Attorney General Visits Naval Aviation Technical Training Command.” United States Navy Military Times.

United States Air Force – “Seminar to teach Air Commandos to ‘Know your rights’.”

“Withdrawal of Title IX Transgender Bathroom Dear Colleague Letter.”

“The Department of Justice has a duty to enforce the law. The prior guidance documents did not contain sufficient legal analysis or explain how the interpretation was consistent with the language of Title IX. The Department of Education and the Department of Justice therefore have withdrawn the guidance. Congress, state legislatures, and local governments are in a position to adopt appropriate policies or laws addressing this issue. The Department of Justice remains committed to the proper interpretation and enforcement of Title IX and to its protections for all students, including LGBTQ students, from discrimination, bullying, and harassment.”

“Trump administration reverses transgender bathroom guidance.” ABC.

“White House Reverses Obama-Era Transgender Bathroom Protections.” NBC.

“Transgender bathrooms: Trump administration to issue new guidance.” CBS.

“Trump administration revokes Obama-era transgender bathroom guidance for schools.” FOX.

“Trump administration withdraws federal protections for transgender students”. CNN.

“Trump Administration Rescinds Obama Rule On Transgender Students’ Bathroom Use.” NPR.

“Trump Rescinds Rules on Bathrooms for Transgender Students.” NY Times.

“Trump administration rolls back protections for transgender students.” Washington Post.

“Obama’s DOJ Fought Texas Voter ID Law. Trump’s New Civil Rights Chief Offered Tips On Writing It.” Huffington Post.

“Civil Rights Group Rebukes Trump Justice Dept. Over Case Delays.” New York Times.

“D-Day At DOJ: The Trump Administration’s ‘Beachhead’ Team For The Justice Department: Here are the 24 individuals who will be holding down the fort at the Justice Department for the Trump Administration.” Above The Law.

“Behind the Scenes, Big Law Shapes Trump Presidency.” American Lawyer.

“Mike Pence’s former general counsel has joined the landing team at the Education Department.” Politico.

Press Releases:

2017

Justice Department Files Lawsuit Against Technical Marine Maintenance Texas and Gulf Coast Workforce Alleging Discrimination Based on Citizenship Status

Justice Department Sues Puerto Rico Business for Violating Employment Rights of United States Army Reservist

Acting U.S. Attorney Settles Civil Rights Suit Against Westchester Property Management Company And Cooperative Building For Discriminating On The Basis Of Disability

Justice Department and Washington State Courts Partner to Ensure Access to State Court Services for Limited English Proficient Individuals

Justice Department Files Sexual Harassment Lawsuit against Owner and Seller of North Carolina Homes

Justice Department Settles Sexual Harassment Lawsuit Against Morgantown, West Virginia, Landlords

Justice Department Resolves Allegations of Housing Discrimination Involving North Attleboro Apartment Complex

Justice Department Reaches Settlement with Michigan Credit Union for Illegally Repossessing Servicemembers’ Cars