IL HJR0002

Creates an Underrepresented Groups in Academia Task Force within the Board of Higher Education composed of 21 members appointed by legislative leaders, the Governor, State Board of Education, principals' groups, attorney organizations, labor groups, and public university trustees.

Task Force shall conduct in-depth study to develop strategies for sustaining and growing underrepresented group enrollment in Illinois higher education institutions and determine feasibility of increasing laboratory schools to support high school-to-college transitions.

Directs Task Force to develop transparent placement criteria for college course enrollment, examine causes of declining Black student enrollment (15.8% decrease 2010-2014) and increasing Latino student enrollment (16.9% increase 2010-2014), and assess viability of state-owned trade schools in Chicago, Rockford, Springfield, and Metro-East areas.

Task Force shall elect its own chairperson, determine meeting schedules and agendas independently, and receive administrative support from the Board of Higher Education.

Task Force must submit final report to Governor and General Assembly by December 31, 2018.