Jones-Backed Legislation to Bolster Sexual Harassment Education, Prevention in Chicago Public Schools, Now in Effect

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A new law backed by state Rep. Thaddeus Jones, D-Calumet City, that bolsters age-appropriate sexual harassment policies and awareness in Chicago Public Schools went into effect Jan 1.

“The only way to ensure that the pervasive problem of sexual harassment is completely eliminated from our schools, workplaces and our society in general, is by instilling values of respect and understanding of other people’s boundaries and privacy from an early age,” Jones said. “Good education when a person is young can profoundly affect the adult they grow up to be, and the next generation deserves to live in a world free of discrimination and harassment.”

Jones backed Senate Bill 1798, a new law which requires Chicago Public Schools to create and implement age-appropriate policies on sexual harassment. In order to educate and remind students, teachers and parents about the policies, the law requires information to be made easily available in various student materials and on school websites. The law went into effect Jan 1.

“I’m working to build a stronger Illinois with an education system that better serves everyone involved,” Jones said. “For the sake of our communities, kids have to be taught to respect the boundaries of their fellow students in a way that’s appropriate for their age. This is a step in the right direction for social equality in Illinois, and I’ll continue to fight for more improvements.”