The Illinois Senate passed legislation on May 7 that would require at least a one-year expulsion for any student who commits sexual assault or attempted sexual assault at school.
Senate Bill 939, introduced by State Senator Steve McClure, aims to address reports of students being sexually assaulted in schools and concerns about how these incidents have been handled. The bill mandates that any student found to have committed such acts at school or during a school-sponsored event must be expelled for a minimum of one year. School boards would still review each case but must vote on the punishment, making it harder to conceal instances of sexual assault.
“This bill was inspired by shocking reports from across the state about incidents where students have been sexually assaulted at schools, and some schools appeared to be sweeping these incidents under the rug. Since I first filed this bill, we’ve continued to hear even more of these stories,” 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.”
State Senator Jil Tracy, a chief cosponsor of the legislation, said: “When a child is sexually assaulted at school, the priority must be protecting the victim and ensuring every student can learn in a safe environment. Senate Bill 939 establishes clear consequences for violent behavior and gives schools stronger direction when these incidents occur. I’m proud to support this measure because no family should have to fear that a known offender will remain in the classroom after committing such a serious act.”
Senator Jason Plummer also co-sponsored the measure. “I commend Senator McClure for his leadership and determination to get this legislation across the finish line,” said Plummer. “Every parent should be able to trust that when they send their child to school, that child will be protected. Students who commit sexual assault must face real consequences, and schools must be held accountable when these serious incidents occur. I’m proud to co-sponsor Senate Bill 939 because this is an important step forward, and we must continue doing more to protect our children and stand with victims.”
The bill was prompted by an incident in McClure’s district where a girl was sexually assaulted but her attacker was not expelled or suspended despite admitting guilt; her family had to seek court protection orders multiple times.
Ashley Peden—the mother involved—said: “A year ago, I stood with Senator McClure to push for this change, but our bill didn’t make it across the finish line. In the meantime, kids across the state have been left to rely on so-called ‘safety plans’ that don’t actually keep anyone safe. I’m glad to see this important legislation is finally moving forward… [it] recognizes the real danger sexual predators pose and makes it clear our schools must protect innocent children and stand with victims.”
Other families reported similar experiences statewide; Jessica Johnson described her daughter’s case in Cook County where there were no expulsions or suspensions after an on-campus assault.
The new rules mirror those already established for bringing deadly weapons into schools—where Illinois law requires expulsion if a dangerous weapon is brought onto campus.
Carrie Ward—CEO of Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault—said: “ICASA supports Senator McClure’s efforts… Senate Bill 939 focuses on applying existing school guidelines for expulsion to sexual assault cases in an effort to protect & support survivors…”
Tracy—a Republican elected in 2023—represents Illinois’ 50th Senate District after replacing previous senator Steve McClure,according to AFSA Online.
