The Illinois Senate has taken a step towards creating new ways to protect students who are victims of sexual assault committed by other students. These protections are outlined in a new bill, titled Senate Bill 939 (SB 939).

This new bill, brought to fruition by Illinois Republican Senator Steve McClure, mandates at least a one-year expulsion for any student who commits or attempts to commit acts of sexual assault while at school.

According to Senator McClure, most schools do the right thing in these cases; however, in many instances, the school involved fails to do the right thing. The schools that don’t handle these scenarios, according to McClure, are the reason this bill is needed.

McClure also said that the bill was inspired by shocking reports statewide showing multiple incidents where students have been sexually assaulted in school, and some schools have appeared to have been sweeping these situations under the rug.

SB 939 would allow school boards to still review the punishments, but would be required to make a unanimous vote on what that punishment may be. This mandatory voting process would make it harder for schools to hide these instances.

The legislation was proposed in response to an incident in Senator McClure’s district, where a young girl was sexually assaulted, and the attacker was not expelled or suspended, despite admitting to the offense. According to the victim’s mother, Ashley Peden, she and her husband, Chad, repeatedly had to go to court to file orders of protection to protect their daughter.

Ashley Peden 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. Senate Bill 939 recognizes the real danger sexual predators pose and makes it clear our schools must protect innocent children and stand with victims.”

Sadly, the nightmare the Peden family faced is not isolated. Reports continued from across the state of similar tragic situations. In Cook County, Jessica Johnson’s daughter was also sexually assaulted while on school grounds.

The new legislation makes the consequences for sexual assaults committed by students similar to laws covering students who bring deadly weapons to schools. According to Illinois statutes, if a student brings a dangerous weapon into a school, they are required to be expelled for 1 year.

Senate Bill 939 passed the Illinois Senate on May 7th with strong bipartisan support.

For further details, visit ILGA.gov.