Earlier today, Governor Pritzker signed into law House Bill 3425, a measure that makes necessary updates to the state’s anti-bullying law. The following statement can be attributed to Khadine Bennett, Advocacy and Intergovernmental Affairs Director at the ACLU of Illinois:
At a time when national and local experts are warning the public about the crisis young people face with respect to anxiety and mental health, we applaud leaders in Illinois for taking concrete steps to address bullying in Illinois schools. House Bill 3425 expands the protected categories under our state anti-bullying law to include those who are pregnant and parenting, socioeconomic status, academic status, physical appearance and those experiencing homelessness. These students deserve an educational experience that is free from bullying and harassment and this measure can help.
Additionally, the new law calls for earlier notice to parents when bullying occurs, and the collection and sharing of non-identifiable data that should help school professionals and those impacted understand patterns of bullying. Understanding those patterns can help with the creation of more effective programs to address the harms that flow from bullying.
We thank Governor Pritzker for taking swift action on this measure and State Senator Sara Feigenholtz and State Representative Margaret Croke for sponsoring the legislation in the General Assembly. Proving a safe space for students to learn and mature is a goal that we should continue to pursue. The ACLU of Illinois looks forward to continuing to be part of that work.