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, News
Physical Agility Test Did Not Discriminate Against Women Firefighter Applicants
The Seventh Circuit Court ruled in favor of the City of Madison, Wisconsin in a recent case regarding a female firefighter applicant claiming the physical agility test had a disparate impact on women. Read more about the case in our most recent law alert.
| Education, Firm News, News
Higher Education Happenings, February 2024
Higher Education Happenings is a complimentary newsletter published by our attorneys in the firm's higher education practice group. Read our latest edition here.
| Law Alerts, News
Proposed Amendment to Exclude School Districts and Park Districts from County Paid Leave Ordinance
An amendment was recently proposed which, if passed, expressly excludes school districts and park districts from the Paid Leave Ordinance. Read more about the proposal in our latest law alert.
| Law Alerts, News
Legislature Extends School Code Provision on “Holidays” to Educational Support Personnel
Public Act 103-0395 (eff. 1/1/24) has introduced new language expanding School Code provision on "Holidays" to educational personnel. Learn more about the update in our recent law alert.
| Law Alerts, News
West Point and the Naval Academy Defend Their Consideration of Race in Student Admissions
On January 3, 2024, a federal judge rejected the Students for Fair Admissions' request to prevent the United States Military Academy at West Point from considering race in admission decisions. Read more about the decision in our latest law alert.
| Law Alerts, News
Appellate Court Says Privilege Can Apply When Narrow OMA Exceptions Do Not
In a recent case, the Third District Appellate Court's decision offers crucial guidance for municipalities and public bodies navigating legal and labor relations implications
| Law Alerts, News
Legal Developments Regarding Property Tax Exemptions for Charitable Use
The Illinois Second District Appellate Court issued a decision denying the American Academy of Pediatrics (“AAP”) a charitable use property tax exemption for its newly constructed administrative headquarters office building in Itasca. Read more about the case in our recent law alert.
| Law Alerts, News
College’s DEI Measures Clash with Professor’s Free Speech Rights
A college professor has been granted a recommended injunction preventing the enforcement of the college's DEI policies in relation to his work. Learn more about the case in our latest law alert.
| Law Alerts, News
PAC Opinion Reminds Public Bodies to Approve Closed Minutes in Open Session
The Illinois Attorney General's Public Access Counselor (PAC) recently issued a binding opinion regarding a violation against the Open Meetings Act. Read more about the issue in our latest law alert.
| Law Alerts, News
Reminder of Bidding Threshold Change Under Illinois School Code
Review the recent changes to the competitive bidding threshold through our latest law alert.