McClure Pushes Mandatory Expulsion for School Assaults

State Senator Steve McClure is sponsoring legislation that would require schools to expel students who commit or attempt to commit sexual assault in school settings.

McClure, who represents parts of central Illinois, introduced Senate Bill 2991 alongside State Senator Jil Tracy and State Representative C.D. Davidsmeyer. The bill would require a minimum one-year expulsion for any student found responsible for sexual assault that occurs on school grounds, at a school-sponsored activity, or at an event reasonably related to school.

McClure said the legislation follows reports from families across Illinois who say schools have not taken sufficient action after incidents of sexual assault involving students. “We keep hearing shocking reports from across the state about incidents where students have been sexually assaulted at schools, and some schools appear to be sweeping these incidents under the rug,” McClure said. He pointed to a case within his district in which a student admitted to sexual assault but was not expelled or suspended. According to information released by his office, the victim’s family sought court intervention to ensure their child’s safety.

Under current Illinois law, students who bring a weapon to school face a mandatory one-year expulsion. McClure said the bill would apply a similar standard in cases involving sexual violence.

“Parents expect that when they send their kids to school, they’ll be protected, not placed back into situations that retraumatize victims and put other students at risk,” said Representative C.D. Davidsmeyer. “This bill makes student safety the priority and ensures administrators have a clear standard to follow when sexual violence occurs.”

The proposal has also received support from the Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault. The organization stated that clearer standards would help schools respond appropriately to sexual assault and support students who report incidents.

Senate Bill 2991 has been assigned to the Senate Criminal Law Committee,