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
ISBE Releases Employment History Review Forms Required Under Faith’s Law
ISBE releases template forms for sexual misconduct disclosures for applicants for employment effective July 1, 2023.
| In Brief, News
Educational Support Staff RIF Checklist
As school districts continue to be challenged by the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic, reductions in student enrollment, and the rampant rise in inflation, all options available to limit costs, including workforce reductions, may need to be considered.
| Education, Firm News, News
Higher Education Happenings, January 2023
Higher Education Happenings is a complimentary newsletter published by our attorneys in the firm's higher education practice group.
| Law Alerts, News
New Federal Laws Increase Protections for Pregnant Employees
Contained within the recently enacted 1.7 trillion-dollar Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 (Omnibus Bill), are two new federal laws designed to increase the workplace protections for pregnant and/or recently pregnant employees.
| Law Alerts, News
Teacher’s “MAGA” hat Displayed During a Training on Racial and Cultural Sensitivity is Protected Speech
A middle school teacher’s decision to wear and display a “Make America Great Again” (“MAGA”) hat to the school district’s “teacher only” training sessions on racial bias and cultural sensitivity was First Amendment-protected activity.
| In Brief, News
Four Key Labor and Employment Law Developments for 2023
Another year means another round of changes to labor and employment laws in Illinois of which all employers should be aware. Read our In-Brief on the updates below!
| Law Alerts, News
Federal Circuit Split: Eleventh Circuit Affirms Florida School District Policy Separating Bathrooms by Biological Sex
On January 30, 2022, the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit upheld a Florida school district’s policy of separating bathrooms by biological sex, creating a split among federal circuits on the issue of restroom access by transgender students. Read more on this decision below!
| Law Alerts, News
Second Circuit Affirms Transgender Student Athletic Participation Policy
The Second Circuit Court of Appeals dismissed a challenge brought by cisgender students against a policy that allows students who are transgender to compete on athletic teams that align with their gender identity. Read more on the decision below!
| Law Alerts, News
Reminder: New Requirements for Students in DCFS Custody
On June 10, 2022, the Decennial Committees on Local Government Efficiency Act (the “Act”) was signed into law by Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker (P.A. 102-1088).
| Law Alerts, Municipal Law, News
The Decennial Committees on Local Government Efficiency Act adds to the “To Do” list for many units of local government
On June 10, 2022, the Decennial Committees on Local Government Efficiency Act (the “Act”) was signed into law by Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker (P.A. 102-1088).