IL Senate passes bill expelling students who sexually assault their peers

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — The Illinois Senate passed a bill Thursday to create new protections for students sexually assaulted by their peers.

The plan would require any student who commits sexual assault or attempted sexual assault at school, a school-sponsored event, or related activities to be expelled for at least one year.

Sen. Steve McClure (R-Springfield) filed the bill last year after a 10-year-old Taylorville Jr. High student was sexually assaulted multiple times by a 14-year-old boy and had to see him return to school after the incident.

"This is for Ashley and Chad Peden, who so bravely are willing to come out and speak of changing our laws," McClure said. "It's for the Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault, who represents victims all over this state who have very passionately supported this law."

McClure gained strong bipartisan support for the plan over the past year, but some progressive Democrats opposed the idea. Sen. Karina Villa (D-West Chicago) argued current law protects students and provides due process for students accused of assaulting others.

"What we know about people who abuse is that they have been abused," Villa said. "What happens to that child we're sending home? We may send them to an alternative placement, but it's not a requirement."

The plan passed out of the Senate on a 48-3 vote with two senators voting present. Senate Bill 939 now moves to the House for further consideration.

"A year ago, I stood with Sen. McClure to push for this change, but our bill didn't make it across the finish line," Ashley Peden said. "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. Senate Bill 939 recognizes the real danger sexual predators pose and makes it clear our schools must protect innocent children and stand with victims."