Stuart Passes Bill Streamlining Accountability for Unaccredited Schools

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Katie Stuart, D-Edwardsville, is holding post-secondary institutions that lack required approval from the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE) accountable by empowering the board to issue cease-and-desist orders directly, rather than having to refer the matter to the attorney general. 

“When a college, university or trade school fails to comply with accreditation and certification requirements, Illinois students are unable to be sure that the degree or certificate they are pursuing is worth the paper it’s printed on,” Stuart said. “We must ensure that these programs, courses, degrees and certificates are approved and accredited by the Illinois Board of Higher Education to guarantee Illinois students are receiving a quality education.”

Stuart’s House Bill 4738 authorizes the IBHE to issue a cease-and-desist order to post-secondary institutions that operate and offer degrees without authority, whereas before, only the Attorney General could issue such orders. The Attorney General would retain the power to issue the orders as well, but IBHE would now be able to take action independently and without waiting. 

“It’s important we combat this issue to get rid of the institutions that cut corners to take advantage of our students in Illinois—or at least force them to get in line,” Stuart said. “We want to ensure that our students are not wasting their time pursuing these opportunities as they are important, both for their careers and for the economy as a whole.”