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
Bill Requiring Seat Belts on School Buses Goes to Governor for Signature
The Illinois General Assembly recently passed Senate Bill 191, which would add Section 12-826 to the Illinois Vehicle Code, requiring seat belts to be installed on each newly purchased school bus.
| Law Alerts
The Establishment Clause and More: Religious Charter Schools and Religion in the Classroom
On May 22, 2025, a deadlocked Supreme Court blocked the creation of religious charter schools in Oklahoma Statewide Charter School Board and St. Isidore v. Drummond. This decision leaves in place the Oklahoma Supreme Court ruling that declared authorizing religious charter schools violated the constitutional separation of church and state.
| Law Alerts
Legislative (In)Action on Key Bills for Community Colleges
As the 104th General Assembly concluded its spring session last week, it considered several key bills affecting higher education, particularly community colleges.
| Law Alerts
Recent Bill Amends the Public Community College Act to Limit the Use of AI as an Instructional Tool
As the use of AI expands in higher education, the state is integrating AI-related policies into existing legislation. Learn more in our latest law alert.
| Law Alerts
“First Amendment Audits” Test Boundaries at Public Institutions
Public institutions are seeing a rise in “First Amendment audits,” where private citizens enter public spaces, record video, and often request documents under Illinois FOIA. Read more in our latest law alert.
| Law Alerts
DEI Updates: Federal Court Decisions Impact OCR Dear Colleague Letter and Title VI Certification Form
On April 24, 2025, two federal judges issued decisions in lawsuits brought against the U.S. Department of Education (the “Department”) related to DEI in schools. Read more in our latest law alert.
| Law Alerts, News
Available Now: Frequently Asked Questions (“FAQ”): Termination of Legal Status of F-1 Visa International Students
In recent weeks, colleges nationwide discovered that some international students' legal status was terminated, raising questions about what it means, how to support students, and potential institutional risks. Robbins Schwartz has created an FAQ to help schools navigate this evolving issue.
| Law Alerts
Seventh Circuit Sides with Professor in Academic Freedom Case
On March 12, 2025, the Seventh Circuit revived a lawsuit by UIC Law Professor Jason Kilborn, who claims the school retaliated against him for protected speech. Read more in our latest law alert.
| Law Alerts, News
2025 Elections Infographic
Stay informed! Learn more about key dates and requirements for elected officials here.
| Executive Order Updates, Firm News, Law Alerts
Important Updates Related to DEI, OCR Investigations, the U.S. Department of Education, and Transgender Students
Robbins Schwartz continues to track and report on important federal and state updates impacting educational institutions and employers. Read the latest updates to keep you informed here.