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
Seventh Circuit Revisits Teacher’s Name/Pronoun Usage Accommodation Claim Under Title VII
On August 5, 2025, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit issued its decision in Kluge v. Brownsburg Community School Corporation, which examined a religious discrimination claim brought by a public school teacher that refused to utilize the preferred names and pronouns of students on religious grounds.
| Law Alerts
Change to Competitive Bidding Threshold for Park Districts
Illinois Senate Bill 1612, amending the Illinois Park District Code, the Conservation District Act and the Downstate Forest Preserve District Act, was signed into law by Governor JB Pritzker on August 1, 2025 and became effective immediately.
| Law Alerts
The Stop Campus Hazing Act: Expanded Federal Requirements for Higher Education Institutions
The Act imposes new requirements on institutions receiving federal student aid, including community colleges. These requirements increase transparency, prevention, and accountability regarding campus hazing.
| In Brief, News
Guidance on Limiting Access to Publicly Accessible Areas
Public bodies are sometimes faced with significant challenges when members of the general public attempt to access certain areas of their facilities. While public spaces are typically intended to be open and accessible to the general public, such openness can sometimes lead to disruptive behavior and safety concerns.
| Law Alerts
Seventh Circuit Upholds Termination of School Counselor for Anti-Transgender Speech
In 2022, school guidance counselor Darlingh gave a profanity-filled speech at a Madison, Wisconsin rally criticizing transgender rights. She publicly identified her role in the District and declared that no student would transition under her watch. The speech was recorded and later shared on YouTube.
| Law Alerts
Summer in Springfield: Special Education Policy Round-Up
The 104th General Assembly wrapped up its spring session in May, advancing a number of special education bills. In addition to legislative developments, ISBE
recently implemented regulatory changes that will also shape school district practices in the coming school year.
| Law Alerts
Supreme Court Clarifies Disability Discrimination Claim Requirements for Retired Employees
On June 20, 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court released its decision in the case of Stanley v. City of Stanford, Florida. Read more in our latest law alert
| Law Alerts
Supreme Court Rules Students Claiming Disability Discrimination Do Not Face Higher Standard of Proof than Other ADA and Rehabilitation Act Plaintiffs
SCOTUS unanimously ruled in A.J.T. v. Osseo Area Schools, Independent School Dist. No. 279 that students suing educational institutions for disability discrimination should not have to face a higher standard of proof than plaintiffs in other federal discrimination lawsuits brought under the ADA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
| Law Alerts
LGBTQ+ Books in Schools and Religious Rights Under Review by SCOTUS
The U.S. Supreme Court will be weighing in on an important case, Mahmoud v. Taylor, concerning parental rights to the free exercise of religion and the authority of school districts over curriculum content and required instruction in the classroom.
| Law Alerts
Supreme Court Reverses “Reverse Discrimination” Employment Law Standard
On June 4, 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court released its decision in the case of Ames v. Ohio Dept. of Youth Services.