Immigrant advocacy groups celebrate passage of HB 3247, Safe Schools for All

If signed into law, HB 3247 will help ensure safe learning environments for students in schools across the state

CHICAGO – Today the Illinois General Assembly passed Safe Schools for All (HB 3247). Advocates with the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights, Latino Policy Forum, and Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund led the community-driven effort to pass this timely and vital legislation alongside lead sponsors Representative Lilian Jimenez and Senator Karina Villa. The bill now heads to the desk of Governor J.B. Pritzker. 

In response to HB 3247 passing the Illinois General Assembly, immigrant rights advocacy leaders shared the following statements: 

“In the face of federal threats to our schools and students, our communities came together and organized to demand that our state leaders stand up for education for all Illinois children,” said Lawrence Benito, executive director of ICIRR. “While the right to safe and free public education remains under attack from Trump and leaders in other states, Illinois has the opportunity to continue to uphold our values. Governor Pritzker can reaffirm that Illinois will stand up for all students in our state, and we hope that he signs HB 3247 when it arrives at his desk.”

“I am so proud of our state and our community of leaders and advocates who took this important step to protect our children and their right to an education and an environment where they feel safe and excited to learn,” said Erika Méndez, director of Pre-K-12 education policy at the Latino Policy Forum. “Once again, we have shown the country that Illinois is a state where everyone, regardless of their immigration status, is welcome and can feel included, valued, and respected.”

“MALDEF has fought for education equity for all children in states across the country,” said Martín Klein, Legislative Staff attorney for MALDEF (Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund). “As part of those efforts we have successfully fought for equal access for immigrant children and just as they have a constitutional right to a free K-12 education, so should they - and all children - have a right to a safe and secure learning environment.” 

If signed into law by Governor J.B. Pritzker, HB 3247 will: 

• Prohibit excluding students and their parents from schools and school programs based on immigration status.

• Prohibit school procedures or measures that have the effect of excluding or discouraging students from attending schools and school programs based on immigration status, including requesting a social security number.

• Restrict disclosing and threats to disclose anything related to the immigration status of a child or associated person.

• Protect the integrity of the undisturbed classroom environment for students and school communities by requiring schools to craft procedures for ICE and other law enforcement actions at schools and school facilities.

• Empower families to defend their rights.

About ICIRR

The Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR) builds power with over 100 member and partner organizations representing diverse immigrant and refugee communities across the state. Together the coalition organizes to win policies that ensure a more equitable society rooted in dignity and respect for all. Learn more at icirr.org. 

About the Latino Policy Forum

The Latino Policy Forum is the only organization in the Chicago area that facilitates the involvement of Latinos at all levels of public decision-making. The Forum conducts analysis to inform, influence and lead. Its goals are to improve education outcomes, advocate for affordable housing, promote just immigration policies and engage diverse sectors of the community, with an understanding that advancing Latinos advances a shared future. For more information, visit latinopolicyforum.org.

About MALDEF

Founded in 1968, MALDEF is the nation’s leading Latino legal civil rights organization.  Often described as the “law firm of the Latino community,” MALDEF promotes social change through advocacy, communications, community education, and litigation in the areas of education, employment, immigrant rights, and political access. For more information on MALDEF, please visit: www.maldef.org.