HB2049 Summary: Racism-Free Schools Law

• Requires each school district to create and maintain age-appropriate policies on race-related harassment and discrimination, in compliance with the Illinois Human Rights Act.

• Amends bullying prevention policies to include age-appropriate information about harassment definitions, reporting procedures, and protections available under the Illinois Human Rights Act.

• Designates harassment by education representatives or institutional failure to take remedial action against students or employees committing harassment as a civil rights violation under the Illinois Human Rights Act.

• Requires each elementary, secondary, and higher education institution to establish a continuing race-related discrimination and harassment program including written policies, employee training, reporting procedures, and annual reporting to the Department.

• Effective August 1, 2024.