Illinois State Legislator Introduces Bill to Mandate Ombuds for College Athletes

On December 4, 2023, Kambium "Kam" Buckner (D-26), a member of the Illinois House of Representatives, introduced a bill that would create a Student Bill of Rights for all postsecondary institutions in the state. The bill seeks to protect students from retaliation and hazing and, among other things, would require the creation of an Ombudsperson for student-athletes. The bill has only been filed and there have not yet been any hearings or votes.

Synopsis As Introduced

Creates the Student-Athlete Bill of Rights Act. Sets forth specific rights for students and student-athletes at postsecondary educational institutions. Provides that a postsecondary educational institution shall prepare and post a notice detailing specified rights that student-athletes have under federal law and where a complaint may be filed for a violation. Provides that a postsecondary educational institution may not intentionally retaliate against a student-athlete for (1) making or filing a complaint, in good faith, about a violation of a student-athlete's rights granted under any applicable statute, rule, or policy; (2) testifying or otherwise assisting in an investigation into a violation of a student-athlete's rights granted under any applicable statute, rule, or policy; or (3) opposing any practices that the student-athlete, in good faith, believes are a violation of a student-athlete's rights granted under any applicable statute, rule, or policy. Provides that each postsecondary educational institution offering athletic programs for student-athletes shall hire or appoint an ombudsperson, independent of the athletic department, who may be an employee, to provide specified support to student-athletes. Creates the Commission on College Athletics to pursue research and recommendations and monitor athletic programs at postsecondary educational institutions. Sets forth other duties of the Commission and the membership of the Commission. Requires the Board of Higher Education to provide administrative and other support to the Commission and adopt rules. Makes other changes.

(Ill. HB4252; WAND TV.)

Related posts: Psychologist Urges Ombuds as Buffer for Student Athletes; Michigan State to Appoint Ombuds for Student Athletes; USC Athletic Director Considering Ombuds for Student-Athletes; Can an Ombuds Address NFL Bullying?; Task Force Recommends Ombuds for Student-Athletes at Berkeley; Responding to Rape Allegations, Baylor University Promises Ombuds for Athletes; Illinois State Legislator Floats Proposal for College Athlete Ombuds; Campus Newspaper Reveals Ombuds Casework at Northwestern.