News
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News
Understanding How Informal Meetings Can Trigger Open Meetings Act
By Maritza Guevara |
On August 12, 2025, the PAC issued binding opinion 25-011, finding that the Washington County Board violated the OMA by attending an informational meeting hosted by a private company regarding a proposed energy project in Washington County.
The Implications of Andrews on the Landscape of the Tort Immunity Act
By Maritza Guevara |
When faced with litigation, Illinois school districts and municipalities, i.e. governmental entities, rely heavily on the Local Governmental and Governmental Employees Tort Immunity Act (“Tort Immunity Act”).
DOJ’s Web Accessibility Rule – Preparing for Compliance
By Maritza Guevara |
The U.S. Department of Justice finalized a new rule under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) expanding digital accessibility requirements for state and local government entities that receive federal financial assistance.
Seventh Circuit Revisits Teacher’s Name/Pronoun Usage Accommodation Claim Under Title VII
By Maritza Guevara |
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.
Change to Competitive Bidding Threshold for Park Districts
By Maritza Guevara |
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.
The Stop Campus Hazing Act: Expanded Federal Requirements for Higher Education Institutions
By Maritza Guevara |
The Act imposes new requirements on institutions receiving federal student aid, including community colleges. These requirements increase transparency, prevention, and accountability regarding campus hazing.
Guidance on Limiting Access to Publicly Accessible Areas
By Maritza Guevara |
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.
Seventh Circuit Upholds Termination of School Counselor for Anti-Transgender Speech
By Maritza Guevara |
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.
Summer in Springfield: Special Education Policy Round-Up
By Maritza Guevara |
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.
Supreme Court Clarifies Disability Discrimination Claim Requirements for Retired Employees
By Samantha Kelly |
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