Lawmakers have reintroduced legislation aimed at protecting students by strengthening consequences for sexual assaults in schools. Sponsored by State Senator Steve McClure (R-Springfield), State Senator Jil Tracy (R-Quincy), and State Representative C.D. Davidsmeyer (R-Murrayville), the bill would mandate at least a one-year expulsion for any student who commits sexual assault or attempted sexual assault at school.
“We keep hearing shocking reports from across the state about incidents where students have been sexually assaulted at schools, and some schools appear to be sweeping these incidents under the rug,” said McClure. “Here’s what can’t be swept under the rug: the real pain caused by sexual violence and the real danger that a perpetrator of that kind of violence poses to victims, other students, and staff.”
Senate Bill 2991 mandates that any student who commits sexual assault or attempted sexual assault at a school, a school-sponsored activity or event, or any activity or event that bears a reasonable relationship to school, would be expelled for a period of at least 1 year.
“Parents expect that when they send their kids to school, they’ll be protected, not placed back into situations that retraumatize victims and put other students at risk,” said Representative C.D. Davidsmeyer. “This bill makes student safety the priority and ensures administrators have a clear standard to follow when sexual violence occurs.”
“Sexual assault has devastating emotional and psychological consequences for young people,” said Senator Tracy. “This legislation makes clear that violent behavior in our schools will have serious consequences. Our responsibility is to protect victims and preserve safe learning environments.”
The legislation was proposed in response to an incident in Senator McClure’s district, where a young girl was sexually assaulted and the attacker was not expelled or suspended, despite admitting to the offence.According to the victim’s mother, Ashley Peden, she and her husband, Chad, repeatedly had to go to court to file orders of protection to protect their daughter.
“A year ago, I stood with Senator McClure to push for this change, but our bill never made it to the Senate floor for a vote. In the meantime, kids across the state have been left to rely on so-called ‘safety plans’ that don’t actually keep anyone safe,” said Peden. “Senate Bill 2991 recognizes the real danger sexual predators pose and makes it clear our schools must protect innocent children and stand with victims.”
Sadly, the nightmare the Peden family faced is not isolated. In Cook County, Jessica Johnson’s daughter was also sexually assaulted while on school grounds.
“This bill is important to me because in the case of my daughter being sexually assaulted on school grounds, and the student not being expelled nor suspended for it specifically. When the students walked out, there was a young lady that approached me and thanked us for speaking, because she had to continue to walk past her offender every day,” said Jessica Johnson.
“ICASA supports Senator McClure’s efforts to ensure schools recognize and respond to sexual assault, support survivors, and hold those accountable who commit such assaults. Senate Bill 2991 focuses on applying existing school guidelines for expulsion to sexual assault cases in an effort to protect & support survivors and ensure the safety of all students,” said Carrie Ward, CEO of the Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault.
The proposed legislation brings responses to sexual assaults in line with laws regarding weapons in schools. According to Illinois statutes, if a student brings a weapon into a school, they are required to be expelled for 1 year.
Senate Bill 2991 has been assigned to the Senate Criminal Law Committee. Representative Davidsmeyer has filed identical legislation (HB 5447) in the Illinois House.
The press conference can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/DO3YPw5dHWc?si=fVwhMlXlTtdXWz-d