Legal News & Updates
News
Seventh Circuit Considers a Firefighter’s First Amendment Right to Post Offensive Content on Facebook
On July 16, 2026, the Seventh Circuit affirmed the termination of a Chicago firefighter over offensive Facebook posts, offering key guidance for public employers on regulating employee social media under the First Amendment.
Federal Court Invalidates Illinois Tuition and State Aid Provisions for Undocumented Students
On July 24, 2026, a federal court ruled key Illinois statutes granting in-state tuition and aid to non-citizen students unconstitutional and preempted by federal law. The ruling is stayed until August 7, 2026, pending a possible appeal.
Governor Signs Extension of School District Interfund Transfer Authority Through 2029
Governor Pritzker has signed a new law extending school districts’ interfund transfer authority, but the procedural requirements haven’t changed. Find out what districts need to do to stay compliant through 2029.
Posts
July 29, 2026 | K-12 Updates
Tenured Teacher Remediation Warnings Now Subject to Arbitration
A new Illinois law is reshaping how school districts issue remediation warnings to tenured teachers. Public Act 104-0647, effective immediately, gives teachers a right to respond before a warning is approved and for the first time allows warnings to be challenged through binding arbitration. Here’s what districts need to know.
June 18, 2026 | K-12 Updates
Section 17-2A Interfund Transfer Extension Legislation Awaiting Governor Action
With June 30 fast approaching, Illinois school districts should be aware that the less restrictive interfund transfer authority under Section 17-2A of the School Code is set to expire — and the extension isn’t law yet.
June 11, 2026 | K-12 Updates
Seventh Circuit and Special Education: C.T. v. Galesburg Community Unit Sch. Dist. No. 205, Considerations for Determining Least Restrictive Environment
Seventh Circuit rules on important considerations for determining least restrictive environment for students with disabilities. Read more here.
June 1, 2026 | K-12 Updates
Major Student Bills Passed and More to Watch
The Illinois General Assembly wrapped up the spring legislative session on Monday, June 1, 2026. As the legislature’s final actions shook out, several major initiatives passed that will impact students, and there is another to watch for the fall veto session. These are bills that school districts should be aware of.
May 21, 2026 | General Updates
Rooftop Safety for First Responders Act
Illinois law makers pass the Rooftop Safety for First Responders Act, requiring properties with specific roof dimensions and openings to have protective measures to prevent firefighter injuries during low-visibility conditions. Read more here.
May 20, 2026 | General Updates
Federal Court Dismisses Title VI Discrimination Claims Brought by Students Against Northwestern University
A federal judge in the Northern District of Illinois recently dismissed civil rights claims brought against Northwestern University by a group of Jewish students in Jane Doe, et al v. Northwestern University.
May 18, 2026 | General Updates
Illinois Appellate Court Dismisses Claims Against Employer Regarding Confidentiality of Internal Investigation
The Illinois Appellate Court dismissed an employee’s breach of contract claim that her employer violated the employee handbook, which stated complaints would be investigated confidentially, when the employer sent a company-wide email informing that she would be investigated for racial bias, but did not announce that the investigation resulted in no finding of wrongdoing.
