Latest Updates & News

2023 LEGISLATIVE ROUNDUP FOR SCHOOLS

2023 has brought a deluge of legislation, with 561 bills signed into law in Illinois so far. This publication summarizes more than 50 of those bills (and one federal bill) that are relevant to school districts. These new bills include some with major changes to procurement, student services, and personnel operations that will require substantial efforts by school administrators to update their policies, procedures, and practices.

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High School Teacher’s Free Speech Rights Were Not Violated When School District Terminated Her for Disruptive Social Media Posts

A Massachusetts federal district court recently ruled that a school district did not violate its teacher’s First Amendment rights when it fired her for posting, reposting, or sharing several memes on social media. Read more here.

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Municipal Design-Build Authorization Act Effective January 1, 2024

The Illinois General Assembly recently enacted the Municipal Design-Build Authorization Act. The Act will go into effect on January 1, 2023. Read more here.

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Magnet School’s Student Admissions Policy Revised, in Part, to Increase Diversity, Faces Legal Challenges and Might be the Next DEI Case Before the Supreme Court

A group of Virginia area parents asked the Supreme Court to hear their complaints regarding their recent revision surrounding the student admissions process. Read more here.

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Higher Education Happenings, September 2023

Higher Education Happenings is a complimentary newsletter published by our attorneys in the firm’s higher education practice group.

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Supreme Court’s Student Admissions Decision Opens the Door to Lawsuits Challenging Employer DEI Initiatives

Employer DEI initiatives are facing challenges in light of the Supreme Court’s recent student admissions decision. Read more here.

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Higher Education Happenings, May 2023

Higher Education Happenings is a complimentary newsletter published by our attorneys in the firm's higher education practice group.

Catherine R. Locallo Receives Honorable Gerald L. Sbarbaro Mentoring Award

Catherine R. Locallo recently received the Honorable Gerald L. Sbarbaro Mentoring Award from the Justinian Society of Lawyers. Read more about her recent accomplishments here.

Frank B. Garrett III Named Top 100 Lawyer in Illinois by the National Black Lawyers

Frank B. Garrett III has been recognized as a Top 100 Lawyer in Illinois.

2023 Elections Infographic

Key dates and requirements for elected officials.

Ramadan

Learn more about the history of Ramadan here.

Paid Leave for (Almost) All Illinois Workers Required under New Law

Governor Pritzker signed a new law that changed current Paid Leave requirements for specific institutions. To see how your organization might be impacted, read more below!

Illinois Department of Labor Publishes Family Bereavement Leave Act Documentation Form

The Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL) published its promised FBLA Leave Documentation form that employers may elect to use.

Revised Clear and Present Danger Reporting Intergovernmental Agreement Issued to Address Concerns

The Intergovernmental Agreement that was provided to school districts on March 6, 2023, allows a district to select the administrator(s) to submit reports under the clear and present danger reporting requirements. 

International Women’s Day 2023

Happy International Womens Day! Read stories of inspiring female achievements here.