IL HJR0115

Urges the U.S. Department of Education to maintain the 2014 Dear Colleague Letter guidance on nondiscriminatory school discipline released jointly by the Departments of Education and Justice.

Calls on the State of Illinois and Illinois State Board of Education to uphold the 2014 school discipline guidance regardless of any decision by the U.S. Department of Education.

Cites data showing racial disparities in Illinois school discipline, including Black female students being 7.5 times more likely to have multiple out-of-school suspensions than white female students and Black students being twice as likely to be referred to law enforcement.

Acknowledges Illinois Senate Bill 100 (2015) and notes that schools implementing restorative practices have seen significant reductions in suspensions, expulsions, and law enforcement notifications.

Directs delivery of the resolution to U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos, Illinois State Superintendent of Education Tony Smith, and Illinois State Board of Education Chairman James T. Meeks.