HB4304 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

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104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2025 and 2026
HB4304

Introduced 1/14/2026, by Rep. Katie Stuart

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:

New Act

Creates the Higher Education Student Bill of Rights Act. Provides that a student attending a postsecondary education institution in the State is entitled to the following rights: the right to an inclusive and safe learning environment; the right to equal access; the right to safety and respect; the right to accessibility; the right to free expression; the right to organize; the right to peaceful protest; the right to academic transparency; the right to fair evaluation; the right to educational records; the right to educational programs safeguarded from political interference; the right to career preparation; the right to educational quality; the right to due process; the right to representation; the right to institutional accountability; the right to financial transparency; the right to fair lending and borrowing practices; the right to timely refunds and withdrawals; and the right to transfer.

STATE MANDATES ACT MAY REQUIRE REIMBURSEMENT MAY APPLY

A BILL FOR

AN ACT concerning education.

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, represented in the General Assembly:

Section 1. Short title. This Act may be cited as the Higher Education Student Bill of Rights Act.

Section 5. Higher Education Student Bill of Rights. A student attending a postsecondary education institution in this State is entitled to all of the following rights:

(1) The right to an inclusive and safe learning environment. Every student has the right to learn in an environment that is respectful, inclusive, and free from discrimination, harassment, or bias based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability, socioeconomic status, or any other protected characteristic. A postsecondary education institution must actively foster a culture of belonging, ensure physical and psychological safety, and provide accessible resources to support all students in their academic and personal growth.

(2) The right to equal access. No student may be excluded from or denied participation in educational programs or activities on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, parental status, gender identity, disability, age, or religion.

(3) The right to safety and respect. Every student is entitled to a learning environment free from harassment, intimidation, and retaliation. A postsecondary education institution must actively foster a culture of belonging, ensure physical and psychological safety, and provide accessible resources to support all students in their academic and personal growth.

(4) The right to accessibility. A student with a disability is entitled to reasonable accommodations to ensure equal academic and campus participation.

(5) The right to free expression. A student retains the student's constitutional rights to free speech, press, assembly, and petition within the academic environment.

(6) The right to organize. A student may form and join associations or organizations without unreasonable interference from the postsecondary education institution.

(7) The right to peaceful protest. A student may engage in lawful and peaceful protest, subject to reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions.

(8) The right to academic transparency. Every student has the right to clear, accurate, and timely information regarding courses, degree pathways, credit transferability, and graduation criteria.

(9) The right to fair evaluation. A student's academic performance must be assessed solely on demonstrated learning and achievement, not bias or personal opinion.

(10) The right to educational records. A student has the right to inspect, review, and request corrections to the student's educational records.

(11) The right to educational programs safeguarded from political interference. Every student has the right to access educational programs that are guided by academic integrity, while meeting standards of professional and disciplinary review.

(12) The right to career preparation. A student has the right to an education that adequately prepares the student with skills for the workforce, an understanding of how those skills align with a career of the student's choice and ability, and an opportunity to achieve credentials of value.

(13) The right to educational quality. A student has the right to a high-quality, independently accredited education, with an integrated curriculum across the student's educational journey, that broadens the student's mind, teaches broadly applicable skills, and prepares the student for democratic citizenship.

(14) The right to due process. Every student must receive a fair disciplinary process, including notice of charges, access to evidence, and an impartial hearing, particularly at a public institution.

(15) The right to representation. A student may bring an advisor, advocate, or legal counsel to proceedings that materially affect the student's enrollment or reputation.

(16) The right to institutional accountability. A postsecondary education institution must follow its published policies, and every student has the right to appeal decisions that deviate from those policies.

(17) The right to financial transparency. Every student is entitled to the clear disclosure of tuition, fees, and all related financial obligations prior to and throughout enrollment.

(18) The right to fair lending and borrowing practices. A student borrower has the right to accurate loan information, fair treatment, and protection from predatory practices.

(19) The right to timely refunds and withdrawals. Every student is entitled to transparent institutional policies on tuition refunds, withdrawals, and cancellations.

(20) The right to transfer. Every student has the right to unlimited transfer credits between postsecondary education institutions, so long as the receiving postsecondary education institution is willing to accept the student.