After a troubling case in Taylorville where a young girl was sexually assaulted multiple times by a schoolmate, state Sen. Steven McClure introduced Senate Bill 98 to protect victims in Illinois schools. The bill would mandate a one-year expulsion for students found guilty of sexual assault, harassment, or non-consensual sexual activity, aligning these offenses with severe violations like possessing weapons.
The bill has gained bipartisan support but missed a key deadline, prompting McClure to request an extension. McClure’s push for the bill follows an incident in his district where a young girl was forced to share a school bus with her assailant for weeks, highlighting the need for stronger action against sexual violence in schools.
The bill has garnered support from several lawmakers, including Sen. Terri Bryant and Sen. Jil Tracy, who have shared personal experiences with sexual assault. Advocates like Carrie Ward from the Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault hope the bill will elevate the conversation around school safety and sexual violence.
Despite its challenges, McClure remains determined to see the bill through, aiming to ensure students are safe and supported in their learning environments.
Attribution | Sources
Medill Illinois News Bureau | By Athan Yanos https://www.nprillinois.org/government-politics/2025-03-27/bipartisan-effort-seeks-stricter-measures-to-protect-sexual-assault-victims-in-schools
