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State Rep. Maurice West, D-Rockford, filed Senate Bill 90. The
measure, as amended by the House, requires Illinois school
districts, excluding private religious schools, to create and
maintain at least one written policy prohibiting discrimination
and harassment against students based on race, color or national
origin.
“A November 2021 report found that hate crimes in schools
increased by 81% from 2016 to 2018,” West said.
The Illinois Department of Human Rights would begin a model
training program to prevent discrimination and harassment in
elementary and secondary schools.
During House floor debate, state Rep. Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz,
D-Glenview, said every school should be included.
“I’m struggling with a carve out for sectarian religious
institutions with a requirement that would prohibit
discrimination and harassment based on race, color and national
origin,” Gong-Gershowitz said.
West said his goal is to include every school in the state.
“I’m committed to it, but at the same time, I understand the
separation of church and state, so it's mainly for the freedom
of free speech,” West said.
The measure also would ban retaliation against students who
submit complaints to school administrators.
State Rep. Blaine Wilhour, R-Beecher City, said if you read
between the lines, there is another motive involved.
“In the analysis it says that this is for teachers to grow in
their skills for culturally responsive instruction, so if you’re
against some of the culturally responsive teacher standards, you
may want to take a look at this,” Wilhour said.
The House passed an amendment to the bill by an 87 to 18 vote,
and it now heads back to the Senate for concurrence. Legislators
return Wednesday.
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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