Welcome to Senator Graciela Guzmán legislative website

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Accessibility Statement for Senate Graciela Guzmán

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March Town Hall

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.

Read more: Guzmán fights federal overreach in higher education

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.