West Central Reporter

New legislation aimed at holding students accountable for sexual assaults in schools has been filed by State Senator Steve McClure and State Representative C.D. Davidsmeyer. The proposed bill mandates a minimum one-year expulsion for students who commit such offenses at school or related events.

"This is about making sure that victims aren’t having to face their attackers in school every day, as well as protecting other students from someone who has already committed assault," stated Senator McClure. He emphasized the importance of addressing perpetrators appropriately so they receive necessary treatment.

The legislation, known as Senate Bill 98, seeks to ensure that any student involved in sexual assault, violence, or non-consensual activity within school premises or events faces significant consequences. This initiative follows an incident in the Taylorville school district where a young girl was assaulted and her attacker was merely relocated to an alternative school after the victim's mother pursued legal action for protection orders.

"As a parent, we trust that our kids are safe at school and school functions," said Representative Davidsmeyer. "This bill takes an important step to ensure that school administrators are doing everything they can to protect school children in their parents’ absence."

The proposed measures align with existing laws on weapons in schools, which require a year-long expulsion if a student brings a weapon onto school grounds. Ashley Peden, the victim's mother, expressed her frustration with current policies: "For my daughter, this young man’s body was his weapon... This is not acceptable."

Carrie Ward of the Illinois Coalition of Sexual Assault voiced support for the bill: “ICASA supports Senator McClure’s efforts to ensure schools recognize and respond to sexual assault... Senate Bill 98 focuses on applying existing school guidelines for expulsion to sexual assault cases.”