SPRINGFIELD — New legal protections for immigrant students and guidelines for the use of artificial intelligence in education are set to take effect in Illinois on January 1, 2025. These developments follow President Trump’s recent crackdown on immigrant communities, prompting state lawmakers to act decisively on both fronts. The measures reflect a growing commitment to safeguard educational rights amid significant political shifts.
With Trump inaugurated for a second term in January, the Department of Homeland Security swiftly rescinded a policy introduced by the previous administration, which had limited immigration enforcement in sensitive locations such as schools. In response, Illinois Superintendent of Education Tony Sanders issued guidance urging local school officials to create clear policies regarding cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.
Amid this backdrop, the Democratic-controlled Illinois General Assembly passed several bills aimed at bolstering protections for noncitizen students. One significant piece of legislation, House Bill 3247, was signed into law on August 15. It prohibits schools from excluding or discouraging students from attending classes based on either their immigration status or that of their parents or guardians. “In the face of federal threats to our schools and students, our communities came together and organized to demand that our state leaders stand up for education for all Illinois children,” said Lawrence Benito, executive director of the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights.
Furthermore, the law restricts schools from collecting information about students’ citizenship or immigration status unless mandated by state or federal law. Schools are also prohibited from disclosing such information to third parties, including immigration agencies, unless legally required. Violations of these stipulations can result in civil lawsuits for damages starting July 1, 2025.
Another notable legislation, House Bill 460, expands scholarship opportunities for students regardless of their citizenship status. This builds upon existing Illinois law, which already allows any student meeting residency requirements to qualify for state-funded financial aid. The new law extends this eligibility to include programs administered by local governments.
As the integration of artificial intelligence in education accelerates, lawmakers have begun to grapple with its implications. House Bill 1859 mandates that faculty members, rather than AI programs, must conduct courses at community colleges. The law explicitly forbids the use of AI as the sole source of instruction, while permitting its use as a supplemental teaching aid. Rep. Abdelnasser Rashid, D-Bridgeview, emphasized that “artificial intelligence is a powerful tool that can enhance both students’ and teachers’ capability to learn and teach, but it cannot replace an instructor.”
While community colleges face strict regulations regarding AI, the guidelines for K-12 education are less definitive. Senate Bill 1920 directs the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) to develop comprehensive guidance on the use of AI in elementary and secondary schools. This includes explanations of AI technology, its applications in the classroom, and crucial considerations surrounding student data privacy. The guidelines are expected to be published by July 1, 2025.
In addition to these measures, other educational changes are on the horizon. House Bill 3039 will allow seventh and eighth graders to earn high school credits by successfully completing high school-level courses, while House Bill 1366 mandates that parents of students with special needs be informed of their right to bring an advocate to Individual Education Plan meetings.
As Illinois implements these new laws, the developments reinforce the state’s commitment to inclusive education amid the national conversation on immigration and technology. The legislative measures not only aim to protect vulnerable populations but also address the rapidly evolving role of AI in the educational landscape, ensuring that human instruction remains at the forefront of learning.
See also
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