Pritzker Expands Sexual Abuse Law Protecting Students

SCHAUMBURG, IL — Faith Colson wants to make sure what happened to her in high school doesn't happen to other students. That's why the former Schaumburg High School student was pleased to learn Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed "Faith's Law" Friday, which adds safeguards by expanding the definition of grooming in the criminal code, increasing resources and protections for sexual abuse survivors and their families, and requiring school districts to develop a sexual misconduct code of conduct, review employment history, and increase training for educators.

“My goal in working on this legislation for the past two years has been to prevent other students from having to suffer as I did, and I am hopeful that with these new measures, schools will be safer and futures will be brighter," said Colson, who was sexually abused by a teacher at Schaumburg High School in 2001 when she was 17 years old.

The legislation closes a prior loophole and expands protections for students by expanding the definition of grooming to include acts performed in-person, through direct communication or a third party, or written communication, according to a news release. Under previous law, grooming only included internet-based communication.

“Students deserve to be safe in their classrooms, period,” Pritzker said. “Anything short of that is a call to action, and Faith’s Law is another critical step in creating and preserving safe and welcoming learning environments for all students."

In 2019, Colson's abuser, Ronald L. Williams, was arrested and pleaded guilty to criminal sexual abuse, as reported by Daily Herald.

State Rep. Michelle Mussman (D-Schaumburg) wrote the legislation for HB 1975.

“I thank Gov. Pritzker for signing this important piece of legislation that will strengthen the tools schools, parents, and child protection organizations can use to recognize, prevent, and prosecute grooming and inappropriate relationships by school staff members of the students who trust them, which has tragic life-long consequences for these young victims,” Mussman said.

In addition, the law requires the Illinois State Board of Education to create a parent resource guide, which would serve as a centralized source of assistance and provide resources available to the parent or guardian of a student who is or may be the victim of sexual abuse, according to the news release. Schools are required to notify parents of the guide at the start of each school year and provide copies to parents by request.

Educators will also receive training on the physical and mental health needs of students, student safety, educator ethics, professional conducts, and other topics regarding students’ well-being. The goal is to help teachers and staff identify misconduct while being aware of how to best support students.

School districts are also required to develop an employee code of professional conduct policy that addresses grooming and other forms of sexual misconduct. They are required to post the policy on the school’s website and in any handbook provided. A violation of that policy may subject an employee to disciplinary action, including termination of employment, according to the law. HB 1975 has various effective dates.