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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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.

Higher Education Happenings, September 2023

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

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.

The Departments of Justice and Education Issue Guidance for Higher Education Institutions on Lawful Diversity and Equity Measures

The United States Departments of Justice and Education released written guidance to assist colleges and universities in understanding the decision to invalidate the use of race in student admissions. Read more here.

New School Year – New Teacher Rules

Read more about the recent modifications made to tenure qualifications for teachers here.

Bill Requiring Cash Reserve Reduction Plans Becomes Law

Public Act 103-0394 has recently been signed into law by Governor Pritzker. Read more here.

Frank B. Garrett III Presenting at the American Association of School Personnel Administrators’ Virtual Boot Camp

Robbins Schwartz is excited to announce Frank B. Garrett III as a presenter at the 2023 American Association of School Personnel Administrators' Virtual Boot Camp.

Governor Signs Legislation Allowing Certain Non-Citizens to Become Deputy Sheriffs and Police Officers in Illinois

Governor Pritzker has signed legislation that will allow certain non-citizens to become deputy sheriffs and police officers in Illinois. Read more here.

2023 Legal Update for Illinois Higher Education Institutions Virtual Conference

Join us on Thursday, September 14, 2023 for our annual Legal Update for Illinois Higher Education Institutions Virtual Conference.

Use of Race Conscious Measures in Student Admission Decisions are Unconstitutional…

The United States Supreme Court has declared the use of race conscious measures in student admission decisions as unconstitutional. Read more here.