One of our 2021 state legislative priorities is in the news with a quote from our executive director Char Rivette. HB1975, or Faith’s Law, would define a person’s sexual conduct with a student while holding a position of trust, authority, or supervision as aggravated sexual abuse. Sponsors named the proposal after Faith Colson, who was groomed and sexually assaulted by a teacher in 2001, which led to her advocacy on this issue. 1 in 10 students experience sexual misconduct by school personnel by the time they graduate from high school.
While Faith’s Law passed the House unanimously in Spring Session, it did not pass out of the Senate. Proponents, including ChicagoCAC, are working to ensure its passage during the October veto session in the legislature.