Canty Op-Ed Advocates Stronger Protections for Higher Education Sexual Violence Survivors

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. – Following a recent high-profile civil lawsuit against seven alleged perpetrators of sexual violence at Cornell University, state Rep. Mary Beth Canty, D-Arlington Heights, published an op-ed renewing her call to pass House Bill 4990, legislation she crafted to enforce stronger legal protections for sexual violence survivors.

The op-ed can be found here: https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/10/22/opinion-cornell-university-sexual-assault-illinois-bill-hb4990/

House Bill 4990 amends the Preventing Sexual Violence in Higher Education Act by expanding protections for students facing a range of sexual violence to include domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, sexual harassment and digital sexual harassment. It requires higher education institutions to maintain comprehensive support policies for survivors, address threats of retaliation, ensure timely handling of complaints, and offer trauma-informed training for staff and relevant students. It also clarifies survivors’ rights to privacy and participation in complaint resolution.

Last spring, House Bill 4990 advanced far in the legislative process, passing the Senate with bipartisan support. In the upcoming fall veto session, Canty will work to complete that process with a final affirmative vote in the House.