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 Strikes Death Blow to Extended Medical Leave as an ADA Accommodation
The Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals was called upon to decide whether an employee’s request for extended medical leave (5-6 months) constituted a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities…
| Law Alerts
Recent Amendments to the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act (“ANCRA”) Provide Guidance on School Districts and District Employees’ Rights During a DCFS Investigation
On August 18, 2017, Public Acts 100-0176 and 100-0191 were signed into law amending certain provisions of the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act (“ANCRA”) and providing some clarity on…
| Firm News
Community College Board of Trustee Trainings
Robbins Schwartz is an approved Community College Trustee Training Provider. If you are interested in scheduling a training for your board or an individual trustee, please contact Nicole Clark at nclark@robbins-schwartz.com.
| Law Alerts
Circuit Court Rules that Community College Faculty Member Cannot Serve as a Member of the Board of Trustees
The Champaign County Circuit Court’s recent ruling in Board of Trustees of Community College District No. 505 (Parkland College), et al. v. Rochelle Harden further solidifies a well-established principle in Illinois law:…
| Law Alerts
Recent Amendments To The Illinois School Code Mandate New Training For School Personnel And Changes To How Certain Educators Obtain Licensure
Effective July 1, 2017, Public Acts 100-0014 and 100-0013 amended provisions of the School Code that affect in-service training and educator licensure requirements. Public Act 100-0014 amends the School Code…
| Law Alerts
Department of Labor Rescinds Its Guidance on Independent Contractors and Joint Employment
In 2015 and 2016, the United States Department of Labor (DOL) issued two “Administrator’s Interpretations” that emphasized its position on (1) misclassification of employees as independent contractors and (2) joint…
| Law Alerts
Court Issues Important Decision Addressing Recall Rights of Support Personnel
On May 9, 2017, the Illinois Appellate Court for the Third District issued a critical decision to inform school districts about the recall rights of support personnel following a reduction…
| Law Alerts
Court Rewards Employer’s Diligent Interactive Reasonable Accommodations Process Under the ADA
In evaluating the delicate balance between employers’ and employees’ rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”), the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals (“Seventh Circuit”) handed down an opinion on…
| Law Alerts
Appellate Court Rules that Records of a College’s Foundation are Subject to FOIA
The Illinois Appellate Court’s recent decision in The Chicago Tribune v. The College of DuPage, 2017 IL 160274, substantially expands the scope of records subject to public disclosure. The case concerns…
| Law Alerts
Court Extends Title VII Protections to Cover Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation
In the ongoing battle for LGBT civil rights, the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals handed down a landmark opinion on April 4, 2017 extending the protections of Title VII of…