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
Public Act 104-0158: Updated Requirements for Police Officer Background Checks
Effective January 1, 2026, Public Act 104-0158 amends the Illinois Police Training Act (the "Act") and will change the way Police Departments conduct background checks and inspections of employment records for prospective police officer applicants.
New Illinois Law’s Impact on a School Resource Officer’s Role on School Grounds
In its most recent session, the IL Legislature brought full circle the changes it initiated in 2015 for school-based fines for students. In 2015, the IL Legislature passed a law that prevented districts from using fines to discipline students, but still permitted a SRO to issue tickets with monetary fines for student as part of school-based discipline. On August 20, 2025, Governor Pritzker signed SB 1519 into law to restrict a SRO’s ability to engage in this practice.
Illinois Passes Package of Amendments to OMA and FOIA
The Illinois General Assembly passed an omnibus bill encompassing a wide range of changes to the Illinois OMA and FOIA in Senate Bill 0243. The amendments include significant updates that public bodies should be aware of as they manage board meetings and the increasing number of FOIA requests that could create cybersecurity risks.
| 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.
| Executive Order Updates, Firm News, Law Alerts
DEI Updates: Understanding the Pending Litigation and New OCR FAQs
The DEI landscape has changed once again. In the past two weeks, a federal judge issued a preliminary injunction temporarily halting certain provisions of the Trump Administration’s executive orders related to DEI.
| Executive Order Updates, Law Alerts
Federal Government Issues New Guidance on DEI Enforcement
On February 14, 2025, the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR), released a Dear Colleague letter to state and local educational institutions. The guidance and important implications are analyzed below.
| Executive Order Updates, Firm News
Now Available: 2025 Title IX Toolkit for Higher Educational Institutions
Robbins Schwartz is proud to offer our 2025 Title IX Toolkit for Higher Educational Institutions to assist institutions in implementation of the 2020 Title IX regulations. Learn how to purchase the toolkit here.
| Executive Order Updates, Firm News, Law Alerts
Federal Government Issues Executive Order on Student Athletics and Sues Chicago, Cook County and Illinois Over Immigration Enforcement
Read our latest law alert summarizing new executive order developments and their implications for institutions, including key timelines to note.
| Executive Order Updates, Firm News
Now Available: 2025 Title IX Toolkit for K-12 Educational Institutions
Robbins Schwartz is proud to offer our 2025 Title IX Toolkit for K-12 Educational Institutions to assist schools in implementation of the 2020 Title IX regulations. Learn how to purchase the toolkit here.
| In Brief, News
Annual Reminder on Educational Support Staff RIF Procedures and Teacher Non-Renewal/RIF Deadlines
As the 2024-25 school year continues through the winter months, school districts are beginning to plan and review their staffing needs for the 2025-26 school year. In assessing options to address those needs, some school districts may determine it is necessary to implement a reduction-in-force (“RIF”) of its educational support staff, a statutory process driven by The School Code. Many school districts are also likely to be considering the non-reemployment of non-tenured teachers at the end of the 2024-25 school term, or a RIF of teachers, statutory processes that were significantly modified in recent years. Given the various procedural requirements imposed on school districts, we believe an annual reminder of those requirements will be of assistance as districts plan for their future personnel and staffing needs.