New legislation has been filed to make sure that students who commit sexual assaults in schools are held accountable so that their victims are kept safe. The legislation, filed by State Senator Steve McClure (R-Springfield) and State Representative C.D. Davidsmeyer (R-Murrayville), mandates that if a student commits sexual assault or sexual violence at a school or school affiliated event, that student would be expelled for at least 1 year.
The legislation was filed following an incident in the Taylorville school district.
“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,” said Senator McClure. “In addition, this will ensure that any student who is a perpetrator is dealt with in an appropriate way so that they get the treatment they need.”
Senate Bill 98 mandates that any student who commits sexual assault, sexual violence, or sexual activity without a victim’s consent, at a school, a school-sponsored activity or event, or any activity or event that bears a reasonable relationship to school, would be expelled for a period of at least 1 year.
“As a parent, we trust that our kids are safe at school and school functions. This bill takes an important step to ensure that school administrators are doing everything they can to protect school children in their parents’ absence. I will be filing identical legislation in the House and I want to thank Senator McClure and the victim’s family for their advocacy on behalf of our children,” said Representative C.D. Davidsmeyer.
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 only moved to an alternative school due to the victim’s mother, Ashley Peden, who repeatedly had to go to court to file for orders of protection.
The proposed legislation brings punishments for sexual assault in line with similar laws regarding weapons in schools. According to Illinois statutes, if a student brings a weapon into a school, they are required to be expelled for 1 year.
“We have laws where a student gets expelled for bringing a weapon on school grounds. For my daughter, this young man’s body was his weapon, and he continually brought his weapon to school, on the bus, and to the bus stop. This is not acceptable,” said Ashley Peden.
“ICASA supports Senator McClure’s efforts to ensure schools recognize and respond to sexual assault, support survivors, and hold those accountable who commit such assaults. Senate Bill 98 focuses on applying existing school guidelines for expulsion to sexual assault cases in an effort to protect & support survivors and ensure the safety of all students,” said Carrie Ward, CEO of the Illinois Coalition of Sexual Assault.
