Legal News & Updates
We monitor legal developments to provide timely, insightful guidance, keeping our clients informed of the latest changes in laws, regulations, and industry trends. Our team stays engaged in the evolution of the law, enabling us to proactively address emerging issues and offer strategic counsel for both current and future challenges.
Latest Updates & News
Gov. Pritzker Renews His Call to Ban Cell Phones in Illinois Classrooms
During his annual State of the State address, Governor Pritzker renewed his call to ban cell phone use during school hours, stating, “It’s time to get cell phones out of the classroom.” The Governor’s office cited research showing that “72% of high school teachers identified cell phone distraction as a ‘major problem’ in their classroom.”
ISSRA, Not FOIA: Clarifying Parents’ Avenue to Access Educational Records
Parents have the right to access their student’s educational records. However, there can be confusion as to which avenue under the law they can or should pursue for access to these student records.
Illinois PAC Issues Binding Opinion on Improper Restrictions on Public Comment
The Illinois PAC issued binding opinion 26-001, finding that the Village of Sauk Village violated the Open Meetings Act by impermissibly restricting a member of the public from addressing the Village Board during a committee meeting.
| Law Alerts, News
Protections for Student Witnesses in Teacher Dismissal Hearings Signed into Law
Governor Pritzker has signed protections for student witnesses in teacher dismissal hearings into law. Read more about the update here.
| Firm News
2023 School Administrators’ Conference
In this era of rapid change, it is crucial for school districts to carefully consider the legal implications that affect decisions involving employees, students, and commercial transactions. Robbins Schwartz is excited to partner with LUDA to provide a full day of sessions on a range of legal issues facing school districts today.
| Law Alerts, News
Department of Education Postpones Release of Amended Title IX Regulations, Gives New Target Date of October 2023
The release of the updated Title IX Regulations has been delayed until October 2023. Schools should be ready for potential changes and training.
| Law Alerts, News
U.S. Department of Education Issues Updated Guidance on Prayer and Religious Expression in Public Schools
The U.S. Department of Education updated its Guidance on the often complicated issue of prayer and religious expression in public schools.
| Education, Firm News, News
Higher Education Happenings, May 2023
Higher Education Happenings is a complimentary newsletter published by our attorneys in the firm's higher education practice group.
| Law Alerts, News
Seventh Circuit Court Upholds Teacher’s “Forced Resignation” for Refusal to Use Transgender Students’ Preferred Names and Pronouns Claiming Religious Discrimination
Read more below on the recent ground breaking decision out of the Seventh Circuit Court.
| Law Alerts, News
Paid Leave for (Almost) All Illinois Workers Required under New Law
Governor Pritzker signed a new law that changed current Paid Leave requirements for specific institutions. To see how your organization might be impacted, read more below!
| Law Alerts, News
Illinois Department of Labor Publishes Family Bereavement Leave Act Documentation Form
The Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL) published its promised FBLA Leave Documentation form that employers may elect to use.
| Law Alerts, News
Revised Clear and Present Danger Reporting Intergovernmental Agreement Issued to Address Concerns
The Intergovernmental Agreement that was provided to school districts on March 6, 2023, allows a district to select the administrator(s) to submit reports under the clear and present danger reporting requirements.