The amendments extend to the Private Business and Vocational Schools Act, the Private College Act, the Academic Degree Act, and the Higher Education Housing and Opportunities Act. Notably, SB2308 broadens the definition of 'institution of higher education' to encompass a range of educational entities and enforces more stringent compliance requirements. The bill also outlines the roles of both the Illinois Board of Higher Education and the Illinois Community College Board in administering certain provisions and overseeing compliance with safety and misconduct evaluations.
SB2308, introduced by Senator Celina Villanueva, aims to amend several Acts related to higher education and the regulation of educational institutions in Illinois. The bill focuses on enhancing oversight for post-secondary institutions, particularly concerning compliance with operational permits. It empowers the Board of Higher Education to issue cease and desist orders against institutions operating without the necessary permits and imposes civil penalties for non-compliance, with violations treated as separate offenses, each incurring potential fines up to $10,000.
A significant point of focus within SB2308 is the requirement for institutions to administer sexual misconduct climate surveys, intended to assess the prevalence and handling of sexual misconduct on campuses. This feature has sparked discussions on its implications for institutional accountability and the protection of student rights. Concerns remain regarding how institutions will balance compliance with these new measures while ensuring the privacy and security of students participating in such surveys.
The bill also proposes extending the Task Force on Campus Sexual Misconduct Climate Surveys for an additional year to further refine the questioning strategies and ensure surveys adhere to best practices. These measures aim to enhance campus safety and provide a clearer framework for addressing incidents of misconduct, reflecting a growing trend towards accountability in higher education.