Guzmán fights federal overreach in higher education

SPRINGFIELD – In the face of growing threats to higher education from the Trump administration, State Senator Graciela Guzmán’s bill to establish academic freedom at Illinois universities passed committee.

“Places of higher education learning should be sanctuaries of free learning, debate and challenging ideas,” said Guzmán (D-Chicago). “Students and faculty should not be pressured to suppress their political or academic opinions.”

Guzmán’s measure would provide that a faculty member of a public institution of higher education may not be directed, coerced or penalized concerning the specific content, viewpoint or method of teaching. The bill would require the Illinois State Board of Higher Education, State Community College Board and individual community college districts to adopt and enforce new rules.

These rules include creating a right for students and faculty members to freely discuss the subject matter of teaching material without fear of discipline. It also would create a right affording students and faculty members full freedom in research and in the publication of the results of that research without fear of discipline. Finally, the bill would affirm the right of faculty to publicly or privately express views on university policies and practices without fear of discipline and the right of faculty to attend a political rally, comment on political issues while off duty, without fear of discipline.

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Fighting to address campus sexual harassment and raise awareness

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Guzmán’s bill to support survivors and strengthen higher education requirements when addressing sexual violence passed committee.

“We cannot allow sexual harassment to go unaddressed on our college campuses,” said Guzmán (D-Chicago). “If student survivors experience digital sexual harassment or otherwise, there must be protections for them.”

Guzmán’s bill would add definitions for sexual harassment and digital sexual harassment, requiring higher education policy regarding gender-based violence to address these major issues. The legislation would also specify that victims receive privacy protections when they meet with a campus confidential advisor.

In addition to survivor protections, the legislation would require higher education institutions to address retaliation in their policies and make supportive measures available as long as they are needed by a survivor. The bill provides guidance and gives examples of supportive measures, while ensuring that a particular course of study or major cannot be a reason to deny such measures.

According to the American Psychological Association, Campus sexual assault makes up the largest proportion of on campus crimes in the U.S., at 43%. Along with being a significant health and human rights concern, sexual violence can have a negative impact on academic performance. As of 2017, studies show up to 25% of female college students report being victims of sexual assault. Students who are LGBTQ+, individuals with disabilities and those from minority ethnic communities are at an elevated risk. These statistics indicate sexual harassment on higher education campuses is a widespread and systemic problem.

“Our higher education institutions need to make sure they are not exposing student survivors to further risk when they seek help,” said Guzmán. “This legislation bolsters protections for survivors while making sure our higher education institutions provide adequate support for these survivors.”

Senate Bill 3467 has passed the Senate Higher Education Committee and heads to the full Senate for further consideration.

Guzmán bill to allow authorized electronic monitoring in assisted living and shared housing facilities passes committee

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Graciela Guzmán is leading a measure to give residents in assisted living and shared housing facilities the option to place electronic monitoring devices in their housing..

“We need to make this change because all residents in assisted living and shared housing should be allowed the same rights to electronic monitoring as those in other long-term care settings,” said Guzmán (D-Chicago). “Folks and their loved ones deserve peace of mind when they are placed in a long care facility.”

"Electronic monitoring device" means a surveillance instrument with a fixed position video camera or an audio recording device that is installed in a resident's room and broadcasts or records activity or sounds occurring in the room.

These devices are often used by residents to protect against abuse and neglect that may come from staff or otherwise.

Current law has several provisions protecting resident rights including a requirement for roommate consent and the ability for the residents living in the room to request the camera be shut off at any time. 

Senate Bill 3071 has passed the Senate Insurance Committee and heads to the full Senate for further consideration.

Guzmán effort to decouple adult education from federal rules moves forward

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Graciela Guzmán’s bill that would decouple Illinois adult education funding from federal rules passed the Senate Higher Education Committee on Wednesday.

“We must ensure state education funds are governed by state law,” said Guzmán (D-Chicago). “With great uncertainty at the federal level, we need to make sure programs people need are not slashed.”

The measure comes as the Trump administration continues to threaten education funding and demand an unprecedented role in university admission, curriculum and operations. Without action from the state, federal threats to education programs under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act could limit Illinois residents’ access to higher education and key adult education programs.

Guzmán’s legislation would clarify and strengthen the administration of state-funded adult education programs in Illinois. The bill would ensure that Illinois law, not the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, governs state-only adult education programs. The state’s matching portion of WIOA funds – currently 25% – would continue to be subject to federal requirements.

Under Guzmán’s initiative, community colleges and educational institutions could use funding for additional purposes, including digital literacy education. The measure would further update eligibility for community college adult education programs to students age 17 and up.

“This legislation would preserve access to adult education programs while supporting our workforce development,” said Guzmán. “We need Illinois to be flexible and ensure services are not disrupted for people trying to improve themselves and their communities.”

Senate Bill 3698 has passed the Senate Higher Education Committee.