Updated Aug. 20, 2021

Update: HB 3223 was signed into law by Gov. Pritzker on 8/20/21. CAASE will be honoring the bill’s sponsors, State Representative Anna Moeller and Illinois State Senator and Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford at Celebrating Allies on October 14th, 2021. Learn more about the virtual event here.

School children are offered less support through laws and policies than their parents would receive from their workplace or their older sibling would receive from their college if they experience gender-based violence or discrimination. We can’t leave K-12 students, some of our state’s most vulnerable citizens, to fend for themselves! We must ensure they can get support, finish school, and succeed despite trauma. Thankfully, our lawmakers will have a chance to solidify student survivors’ rights in Illinois law and address gender discrimination in schools this spring.

The Ensuring Success in School Law (HB 3223/ESSL) would guarantee that K-12 students who are survivors of gender-based violence, parents, or expectant parents can stay in school, stay safe, and complete their education. The law would: 

• Allow excused absences related to these circumstances
• Ensure one staff member is trained to help advocate for students and connect them to resources
• Create confidentiality protocols to keep students safe 

1 in 4 girls experiences sexual violence before age 18 and survivors tend to have lower rates of graduation. It’s critical to eliminate barriers that stand between survivors and their education! The Ensuring Success in School Law would do just that by clarifying how schools can foster a trauma-informed culture that values confidentiality, safety, and autonomy. It will also provide opportunities for vulnerable young people—regardless of the district. 

This post was originally published on March 5, 2021 and updated on August 26, 2021 to reflect the bill’s position in the legislative process.

This piece was authored by Hayley Forrestal and Madeleine Behr. Learn more about our staff here.