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Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed the measure into law despite
opposition from numerous school groups who said the time period
is not feasible, including the Illinois Principals Association
and Illinois Association of Regional Superintendents of Schools.
The bill’s sponsor, state Sen. Sara Feigenholtz, D-Chicago, said
if not addressed promptly, bullying can lead to tragic results.
“There are studies that found that adolescents who experienced
this kind of cyber bullying are four times as likely to have
suicidal thoughts,” Feigenholtz said.
Mark Klaisner, president of the Illinois Association of Regional
Superintendents of Schools, said the 24-hour deadline is
unrealistic.
“I could come up with 20 different scenarios where that doesn’t
happen in 24 hours," he told The Center Square.
During debate in the General Assembly, state Sen. Seth Lewis,
R-Bartlett, said 24 hours is not enough time to conduct an
investigation into the report.
“There are those who are legitimately bullied and there are
those who use it for attention, and I don’t know if 24 hours is
enough time to discern the difference,” Lewis said.
The law also requires that schools develop bullying prevention
policies based on recommendations provided by the Illinois State
Board of Education as well as collect, maintain and submit data
regarding allegations and instances of bullying to the state
agency.
Kevin Bessler reports on statewide issues in
Illinois for the Center Square. He has over 30 years of
experience in radio news reporting throughout the Midwest.
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