Gordon-Booth Supports Plan Enabling National Guard College Students to Make Up Missed Classwork

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth, D-Peoria, supported a plan that would allow higher education students that serve in the National Guard or reserves to still submit missed assignments when they miss class due to drills or other military obligations.

“Students who have made the commitment to serve us through the National Guard or reserves should not be penalized when they are called upon for duty,” Gordon-Booth said. “This measure would implement a uniform law that enables them to continue to pursue their education while still providing their important service to our state and country.”

Initiated by a group of veteran students from Northern Illinois University, House Bill 5655 reflects concerns from students who were told they should withdraw from class instead of being offered the chance to make up missed classwork. In response, this proposal would require public institutions of higher education to adopt a policy enabling impacted students the opportunity to make up their work.

The measure would apply uniformly to members of the National Guard of any state or territory of the United States, as well as any reserve component of the United States Armed Forces.

House Bill 5655 passed the House with bipartisan support, and is now in the Senate for consideration.

For more information, please contact RepJGordon@gmail.com.