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
Updated EEOC Guidance Sheds Light on Religious Objections to COVID Vaccine
Check out the Updated EEOC Guidance regarding Religious Objections to the COVID-19 Vaccine.
| Law Alerts
Attorney General finds a violation of Open Meetings Act (“OMA”)
On June 15, 2021, the Board of Education for Hillsboro Community Unit School District #3 (“Board”) held a meeting attended by a number of community members who wished to discuss the district’s employment of three athletic coaches.
| Law Alerts
Fast-Tracked and Union Backed Legislation with Significant Fiscal and Labor Implications
HB 2778 (Amendment 2), filed on October 21, 2021, is a union-backed initiative to legislate paid administrative leave for COVID-19 related absences, including absences due to a child’s positive test…
| Law Alerts
Second District Upholds Ordinance Creating Office of Executive Assistant with Identical Duties to Office of City Clerk
The Plaintiff, city clerk for the City of Dekalb, filed a complaint (both individually and in her official capacity) challenging the constitutionality of an ordinance that created the office of…
| COVID-19, Law Alerts
Federal Court Upholds College’s Covid-19 Testing Requirement Over Fourth Amendment Challenges
On September 20, 2021, the Fifth District Court of Appeals held that the Regional Board of School Trustees of Madison County, when deciding to grant a petitioner’s request for detachment from one school district and annexation to another, improperly relied on school report cards where the difference in minority and low-income student populations of the two districts was greater than 3%.
| Law Alerts
Illinois Court of Appeals Clarifies When a Regional Board of School Trustees May Consider School Report Cards in Detachment-Annexation Matters
On September 20, 2021, the Fifth District Court of Appeals held that the Regional Board of School Trustees of Madison County, when deciding to grant a petitioner’s request for detachment from one school district and annexation to another, improperly relied on school report cards where the difference in minority and low-income student populations of the two districts was greater than 3%.
| COVID-19, Law Alerts
Governor’s New Executive Order Clarifies Exclusions and Remote Instruction Obligations
On Friday evening, September 17, 2021, Governor Pritzker issued an additional Executive Order relating specifically to student and school personnel COVID-19 exclusions and remote instruction obligations, which are effective immediately.
| COVID-19, Law Alerts
Illinois Court of Appeals Rejects School’s Attempt to Contract Away Property Tax Exemption
In Keystone Montessori School v. Village of River Forest, 2021 IL App (1st) 191992, decided on June 25, 2021, the First District Court of Appeals held that an Illinois school may not waive its property tax exemption
| COVID-19, Law Alerts
Here Ye Here Ye: Vaccine Mandate Deadline Extended Until September 19, 2021!!
Check Out our Law Alert about the Extended Executive Order!
| COVID-19, Law Alerts
Determining Acceptable COVID-19 Tests for Unvaccinated School Personnel, Higher Ed Personnel, and Higher Ed Students
As a follow-up to our complimentary webinars on August 31, 2021, and in response to questions regarding the testing requirements, we have compiled a summary of the Food and Drug Administration’s authorized tests.