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.

Higher Education Happenings, July 2022

Higher Education Happenings is a complimentary newsletter published by our attorneys in the firm's higher education practice group.

Government’s Use of Race and Gender Criterion to Remedy Historical Discrimination Against Women and Minorities Found to be Unlawful Discrimination

In another reminder of the importance of understanding the legal limitations of workplace Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (“DEI”) initiatives, recent lawsuits and court decisions successfully challenged even the federal government’s DEI initiatives to address and remedy historical discrimination

Public Access Counselor Clarifies That FOIA Protects Employee Information When a Request Targets a Bargaining Unit

On June 30, 2022, the Illinois Attorney General’s Public Access Counselor (PAC) took the rare step of issuing a binding opinion that upheld a denial of a FOIA request for certain information about public employees.

Important Reminder:  Laws Impacting Child Sexual Abuse and Sexual Misconduct in Schools Now In Effect

Read our Law Alert on Laws Impacting Child Sexual Abuse and Sexual Misconduct in Schools which are now in effect

Governor Rescinds Vaccinate or Test Requirement for Higher Education Employees and Students

Effective immediately, the Governor has rescinded the requirement that higher education employees and students be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or submit to weekly testing in order to access the university/college premises.

ISBE and IDPH Release Updated COVID-19 Guidance Documents for the 2022-2023 School Year

Without much fanfare, on June 30, 2022, three documents were issued to provide guidance to districts for the upcoming school year.

Supreme Court Upholds Coach’s Right to Pray on the Football Field

The United States Supreme Court ruled that a high school violated its football coach’s First Amendment rights by prohibiting him from praying on the football field immediately following a game.

Pride, Year-Round: Best Practices for Employers in Creating LGBTQ+ Inclusive Workplace Cultures

By Aaron J. Kacel Every June, Pride Month is a time to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community. In 2020, Pride Month was particularly momentous as the U.S. Supreme Court declared in…

U.S. Department of Education Releases Proposed Amendments to Title IX Regulations on 50th Anniversary of Title IX

To mark the 50th Anniversary of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the United States Department of Education (“Department”) has released for public comment its proposed amendments to the Department’s regulations implementing Title IX. Read more below!
Legal Updates & News