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.
| In Brief, News
Race-Conscious Measures to Achieve Student Diversity Are in Jeopardy after Supreme Court Arguments
The dust and ashes have settled from October 31, 2022’s five hours of fiery oral argument before the Supreme Court (the “Court”) on challenges to Harvard’s and the University of North Carolina’s (the “UNC”) use of race-conscious measures in student admissions.
| Law Alerts, News
Illinois Expected to Add Workers’ Rights Amendment to Constitution
On November 8, Illinois voters had the opportunity to support or oppose the “Workers’ Rights Amendment,” sometimes called “Amendment 1” for its position on the ballot. Read more on this below!
| Law Alerts, News
Federal Court Dismisses BIPA Lawsuit Against Private Universities and Colleges Participating in Federal Student Aid Program
A federal court has dismissed a lawsuit against DePaul University for allegedly violating the Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act (“BIPA”) through the use of an online proctoring tool, Respondus Monitor. Read more below!
| Law Alerts, News
Reminder: Truth in Taxation Deadlines are Nearing
Illinois’ Truth in Taxation Law requires that taxing districts estimate the amounts of money needed from their tax levy at least 20 days prior to adopting their final annual levy.
| Law Alerts, News
“Split Decision” On Reverse Discrimination Lawsuits Issued by the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals
On October 18 and 19, 2022, the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals (which covers federal complaints filed in Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin) issued two different decisions involving “reverse discrimination” lawsuits. Read more below!
| Law Alerts, News
Cash Reserve Balance Disclosure Requirements During Levy and Budget Hearings
As school districts get closer to the adoption of their levies and, with most districts this year, their Truth in Taxation hearings, school districts should be aware of and remember the new requirements to disclose certain cash reserve balances.
| In Brief, News
2023 Consolidated Election Calendar
This 2023 Consolidated Election Calendar has been prepared to provide key dates during the election cycle and information for boards, local election officials, and candidates.
| Law Alerts, News
PTAB Rejects Motion to Dismiss School District Based on Refund Recapture
Read our Law Alert on the Property Tax Appeal Board's recent developments.
| In Brief, News
Room Scans During Remote Examinations Violate Constitution, Ohio Federal District Court Says
Last week, a federal district court in Ohio held that a university’s use of room scanning technology in the administration of an examination was unconstitutional and barred by the Fourth Amendment’s prohibition on unreasonable searches.
| Firm News, News
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