SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Illinois lawmakers have reintroduced legislation aimed at protecting students by strengthening consequences for sexual assaults in schools.
Senate bill 2991 requires that any student who commits sexual assault or attempted sexual assault at a school, a school-sponsored activity or event, or any activity or event that bears a reasonable relationship to school, would be expelled for at least one year.
"Sexual assault has devastating emotional and psychological consequences for young people," said State Senator Jil Tracy (R-Quincy). "This legislation makes clear that violent behavior in our schools will have serious consequences. Our responsibility is to protect victims and preserve safe learning environments."
The legislation was proposed in response to an incident in State Senator Steve McClure's (R-Springfield) district, where a young girl was sexually assaulted and the attacker was not expelled or suspended, despite admitting to the offense.
"We keep hearing shocking reports from across the state about incidents where students have been sexually assaulted at schools, and some schools appear to be sweeping these incidents under the rug," 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."
Senate bill 2991 has been assigned to the Senate Criminal Law Committee.
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