SB 1446

Abstract

Amends the School Code. Provides that by no later than July 1, 2024, the State Board of Education shall make available to schools, on its Internet website, resource materials developed in consultation with stakeholders regarding a student wearing any articles of clothing or items that have cultural or religious significance to the student if those articles of clothing or items are not obscene or derogatory toward others and the right of a student to wear or accessorize graduation attire with certain items. Provides that a school uniform or dress code policy adopted by a school board, local school council, or registered or recognized nonpublic elementary or secondary school may not prohibit a student from wearing any articles of clothing or items that have cultural or religious significance to the student if those articles of clothing or items are not obscene or derogatory toward others and may not prohibit the right of a student to wear or accessorize the student's graduation attire with items associated with the student's cultural or ethnic identity or any protected characteristic or category identified in the Illinois Human Rights Act, including, but not limited to, Native American items of cultural significance. Senate Committee Amendment No. 2 Deletes reference to: 105 ILCS 5/2-3.25o Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the contents of the introduced bill but removes provisions concerning nonpublic elementary and secondary schools. Senate Floor Amendment No. 3 Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Provides that, by no later than July 1, 2024, the State Board of Education shall make available to schools resource materials developed in consultation with stakeholders regarding a student wearing or accessorizing the student's graduation attire with general items that may be used by the student to associate with, identify, or declare their cultural, ethnic, or religious identity or any other protected characteristic or category identified in the Illinois Human Rights Act. (instead of resource materials regarding a student wearing any articles of clothing or items that have cultural or religious significance to the student if those articles of clothing or items are not obscene or derogatory toward others and the right of a student to wear or accessorize graduation attire with certain items). Provides that a school uniform or dress code policy adopted by a school board or local school council shall not prohibit the right of a student to wear or accessorize the student's graduation attire with items associated with the student's cultural, ethnic, or religious identity or any other protected characteristic or category identified in the Illinois Human Rights Act (instead of may not prohibit the right of a student to wear or accessorize the student's graduation attire with items associated with the student's cultural or ethnic identity or any protected characteristic or category identified in the Illinois Human Rights Act, including, but not limited to, Native American items of cultural significance). Removes provisions providing that a school board or local school council may not prohibit a student from wearing any articles of clothing or items that have cultural or religious significance to the student if those articles of clothing or items are not obscene or derogatory toward others. Effective immediately.