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Chicago Tribune
30-07-2025
- Politics
- Chicago Tribune
Northwestern University employee sues after protesting cuts to LGBTQ resources
A former Northwestern University staff member is suing the school for allegedly firing him after he publicly opposed new restrictions on resources for LGBTQ students. Matthew Abtahi served as the director of Northwestern's Gender and Sexuality Resource Center until his employment was terminated in April, according to a civil complaint filed July 17 in Cook County Circuit Court. The Windy City Times first reported on the filing Monday. The school's Gender and Sexuality Resource Center offers mental health resources to the LGBTQ community. But earlier this year, the university began to scale back the center's online presence, and Northwestern leadership counciled staff issued directives to remove certain initiatives from the website, the filing said. Northwestern 'instructed staff at the Gender and Sexuality Resource Center, including Mr. Abtahi, to refrain from providing resources that had been traditionally provided to members of Northwestern's gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender community,' the complaint said. Since taking office, President Donald Trump has sought to curtail diversity, equity and inclusion programming at universities nationwide. That's led dozens schools to scrub their websites of messaging highlighting inclusion efforts. 'This last month working with the lawyers and senior leadership at NU has been particularly gutting,' Abtahi wrote in the email. 'Our ability to centralize and provide NU and community-based solutions to the issues LGBTQIA+ students were facing while enrolled was a core part of our work.' A Northwestern spokesperson said the university doesn't comment on pending litigation. In the internal email, Abtahi detailed his conversations with Northwestern's legal counsel, who advised him to remove information from the center's website on the school's all-gender bathrooms, chest-binding education and gender-affirming care on campus. Lawyers also counseled him to remove references to national nonprofits like the Trevor Project and Trans Lifeline, which offer crisis support to transgender individuals. Those organizations use language that has been 'deemed exclusionary' by Northwestern because they are not intended for the general public, Abtahi said in the email. 'The use of civil rights law and discrimination policy to advance these kinds of changes is alarming,' Abtahi wrote. Throughout the university's investigation, Abtahi was never interviewed by officials, the filing said. He was fired about two weeks later. At the time, Abtahi had been set to transition into a new position in alumni engagement, but that offer was rescinded. He was later told not to return to Northwestern's campus, according to the complaint. The filing lists ten counts, including retaliation for opposing discrimination and wrongful termination — accusing the university of violating the Illinois Human Rights Act and the Illinois Whistleblower Act. It seeks compensatory and punitive damages, as well as attorney's fees. 'It's always disspointing when you're forced to escalate matters to the courts,' said Jerry Bramwell, Abtahi's attorney. 'We look forward to presenting our case in court.' The filing offers a glimpse into staff internal pushback at Northwestern as university leaders around the country scramble to adapt to new federal policies. Since taking office, President Donald Trump has sought to curtail diversity, equity and inclusion programming at universities nationwide. That's led dozens schools to scrub their websites of messaging highlighting inclusion efforts. At Northwestern, the Trump administration has frozen more than $790 million in federal research funding, and has yet to communicate with university leadership on why — or how it can restore those dollars. Next week, President Michael Schill is set to testify for the second time before the U.S. House Committee on Education and the Workforce in August in a hearing on antisemitism on college campuses that will be closed to the media. His first appearance to address the issue was in May 2024.
Associated Press
21-07-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Illinois Cracks Down on Robo-Hiring, Missouri's Law Whiplash and Texas Waits
07/21/2025, St. Louis MO // KISS PR Brand Story PressWire // Illinois: AI Gets a Human Chaperone Starting Jan. 1, 2026, Illinois is putting AI in the HR hot seat. House Bill 3773 ( HB 3773 ), signed by Governor J.B. Pritzker, prohibits employers from using artificial intelligence in ways that discriminate against protected classes, which includes the use of ZIP codes as a proxy for race, gender, or other protected characteristics. 'The law demands transparency,' says Jacob Wiczer, partner at Source One Staffing. 'If employers use AI for hiring, firing, promotions, or any other employment decision, they must notify employees and applicants. ' Violations can trigger civil rights complaints, investigations, and penalties under the Illinois Human Rights Act. What Illinois Employers Need to Do How can Staffing Agencies Help? Staffing agencies offer significant value for employers by helping them monitor AI tools to ensure compliance. 'Staffing partners, like Source One, can provide the people, tools and resources to ensure their clients remain both compliant and productive,' says Wiczer. Adds Wiczer, 'A staffing company can also offer alternative, human-led screening and selection processes to find qualified candidates, while reducing reliance on AI, especially for roles with high-risk AI bias or where legal restrictions make AI use impractical.' In short: know your tech, or it could cost you. Missouri: Minimum Wage and Paid Sick Leave—Now You See Them, Now You Don't Missouri voters passed Proposition A in Nov. 2024, which raised the minimum wage and introduced a paid sick leave mandate for most private-sector employees. As of May 1, 2025, workers began accruing paid sick leave (one hour for every 30 worked, up to 56 hours a year), and the minimum wage is set to rise to $15/hour on Jan. 1, 2026. But just as employers were getting used to the new rules, the Missouri legislature threw a curveball. The Missouri Senate passed House Bill 567 on May 14, 2025, repealing most of Proposition A. House Bill 567, which is expected to be signed in mid-July by Governor Kehoe, repeals Proposition A 's paid sick leave mandate and any future automatic minimum wage increases tied to inflation. The paid sick leave mandate vanishes on Aug. 28, 2025, but the $15/hour minimum wage increase will still take effect on Jan. 1, 2026 (with no further automatic increases after that). What Missouri Employers Need to Do Texas: Still Waiting for the Next Move While Illinois and Missouri are keeping employers on their toes, Texas is taking a breather — for now. There are no new statewide employment law mandates for private employers in 2025 or 2026, yet. Texas employers should be aware of pending legislation regarding the E-Verify program under Texas Senate Bill 324 ( SB 324 ). The bill was approved by the Texas Senate in April 2025 and is currently pending in the House. If the bill passes, nearly all Texas employers will have to use the federal E-Verify system to confirm that new hires are legally authorized to work in the United States. However, there is no indication that the bill would require retroactive verification of all existing employees. The bill's effective date will be set upon passage by both chambers and the governor's signature. If passed, implementation would be expected to begin in early 2026. For now, only state agencies, public universities, and certain businesses are required to use E-Verify. Stay tuned: things could change quickly if SB 324 gets the green light. Staffing Agencies: Your Compliance Lifeline Staffing companies are more valuable than ever in regulatory rollercoaster. They can: The Bottom Line for Employers in Illinois, Missouri, and Texas No matter where you are, staying compliant with changing state and federal regulations means staying informed — partnering with a staffing agency can help on all fronts. Source One Source published by Submit Press Release >> Illinois Cracks Down on Robo-Hiring, Missouri's Law Whiplash and Texas Waits
Axios
10-06-2025
- Business
- Axios
Illinois AI laws at risk in U.S. budget bill
The U.S. Senate is weighing a provision in the budget, which already passed the House, banning the enforcement of state artificial intelligence laws for 10 years Why it matters: For many AI skeptics, state laws represent a bulwark against privacy, security and potential discrimination risks as the technology gains rapid acceptance at the federal level by the Trump administration. Zoom in: Since 2024, Illinois has passed at least three AI laws that would be nullified for a decade if the provision passes. " The ELVIS Act," which Illinois passed after Tennessee to prohibit AI-generated digital replicas of a person's image, likeness or voice without consent. A change to the Illinois Human Rights Act last year restricts employers from using AI in discriminatory ways as part of the hiring process. A new law was passed through the General Assembly this year that would make Illinois the first state to require online mental health therapists to be real licensed people, not AI-generated therapists. What they're saying: "Even if a company deliberately designs an algorithm that causes foreseeable harm — regardless of how intentional or egregious the misconduct or how devastating the consequences — the company making that bad tech would be unaccountable," a coalition of 140 tech, civil society and education groups said in a letter to House leaders. The other side: During OpenAI CEO Sam Altman's Senate testimony last month, he emphasized the importance of clear federal rules and said it's onerous for the industry to have to operate under different rules in different states, Axios Pro reported. The intrigue: At least one House member, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.), who voted for the budget bill, said she wasn't aware of the AI provision and would have opposed it. Illinois Republican Reps. Mike Bost, Mary Miller and Darin LaHood all voted for the bill and did not immediately respond to Axios' questions about support for the AI provision. What's next: Some Republican Senators, including Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) and Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) have said they don't support a state AI law ban.
Yahoo
22-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Illinois lawmakers request clarity on Trump's order regarding transgender athletes
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WTVO) — In response to the IHSA's commitment to allowing transgender students to compete in athletic competitions, Illinois lawmakers have sent a letter to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, seeking clarification on President Trump's executive order banning the practice. A letter, co-signed by Freeport Rep. Andrew Chesney (R) and Cherry Valley Rep. Dave Syverson (R), along with 17 other legislators, seeks guidance on the implementation of the 'Keeping Men Out of Women's Sports' executive order, which was signed by President Trump on February 5th. 'Specifically, we are requesting guidance on how this federal Executive Order applies to high school athletics in Illinois, particularly with respect to policies set by the Illinois High School Association (IHSA),' the letter says. 'When biological males are allowed to compete in girls' and women's sports, it undermines the fairness that Title IX was designed to protect. This is not just about a few lost podium spots – it's about preserving access to scholarships, championships, and athletic experiences that help shape the lives of young women,' the letter continues. The lawmakers ask: Does the position taken by the Illinois Attorney General and the Illinois Department of Human Rights violate federal law? And, does this position place Illinois at risk of litigation or jeopardize federal funding? In March, 40 Illinois lawmakers sent to the IHSA, saying 'the federal government adopted policies under President Trump that clearly prohibit permitting biological men to compete against biological women in sports. On Tuesday, April 15th, the IHSA , 'The Illinois Attorney General and, more recently, the Illinois Department of Human Rights have asserted to the IHSA that the Illinois Human Rights Act requires that transgender athletes be permitted to participate in events and programs aligning with the gender with which they identify. As a result… compliance with the [President's] Executive Order could place the IHSA out of compliance with the Illinois Human Rights Act and vice versa.' IHSA Board President Dan Tulley, and IHSA Executive Director Craig Anderson, who signed the letter, added, 'The IHSA simply desires to comply with the law and takes no position on which of the foregoing is correct… Given the conflict described above, however, we are left in an untenable position.' Earlier this month, the Department of Education referred an investigation into Maine schools to the Justice Department after the Trump administration said it violated federal anti-discrimination law by allowing biological male students to participate in girls' sports. 'Where federal and state law conflict, states and state entities are required to follow federal law,' Attorney General Pam Bondi wrote, referring to Title IX, the federal civil rights law against sex discrimination that the Trump White House says prohibits trans athletes from competing on girls' and women's teams. Bondi promised legal action against states that refuse to comply with Trump's order. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Fox News
20-04-2025
- Politics
- Fox News
Illinois trans athlete policy brewing conflict within state
Print Close By Jackson Thompson Published April 19, 2025 Illinois has become the latest blue state to ensure transgender athletes can play girls sports. Republicans in the state are aggressively trying to change that. The Illinois High School Association (IHSA) announced it will not comply with President Donald Trump's executive order to keep trans athletes out of girls and women's sports. In a public letter to state GOP lawmakers, the IHSA said Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul and the Illinois Department of Human Rights have declared that state law requires that transgender athletes be allowed to participate based on gender identity. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON Illinois is using a similar playbook to the one being used by Maine in its ongoing feud with the Trump administration over the issue, citing the state's human rights laws as a barrier to banning biological males from girls sports. "As a result of the foregoing, compliance with the Executive Order could place the IHSA out of compliance with the Illinois Human Rights Act and vice versa," IHSA Board President Dan Tully wrote in the letter. Tully added that the IHSA finds itself in "an untenable position" as the organization seeks clarity on conflicting directions from state authorities and the Trump administration. "There is a growing narrative seeking to politicize the IHSA's response. However, as it plainly explains in the copy of the letter provided below, the IHSA is seeking clarity on conflicting state and federal law so that we can remain in compliance," an IHSA statement said. Illinois GOP lawmakers sent their own letter to the IHSA in March asking what the body will do to change policy after Trump's executive order passed. Transgender athletes have been permitted to compete in girls sports in Illinois since 2011. TEEN GIRLS OPEN UP ON TRANS ATHLETE SCANDAL THAT TURNED THEIR HIGH SCHOOL INTO A CULTURE WAR BATTLEGROUND In response to the IHSA's recent announcement, several prominent state GOP lawmakers have spoken out in opposition to the rule. Rep. Blaine Wilhour, who led the initiative to send the first letter to IHSA over the issue, told Fox News Digital he is calling on Illinois school districts and school boards to pass local resolutions banning trans athletes from girls sports. "I think every school district needs to make it clear that we are protecting the sanctity of girls sports, and we believe in local control of those decisions," Wilhour said. "I would demand that all of your local districts take this stand and do that. Because when push comes to shove, we win on these issues, but we just need people to be bold and step out there and do the right thing." Wilhour condemned Gov. JB Pritzker and the Democratic majority in the state's legislature for the state's laws that enable trans inclusion in girls sports. Wilhour added that he is calling on the Trump administration to intervene and potentially cut funding in response. "The whole policy is sick. Either you believe in fair competition or you don't. The Democrat Party today, and specifically JB Pritzker, does not believe in fair competition. They put their woke ideology over protecting girls in sports," Wilhour said. MAINE GIRL INVOLVED IN TRANS ATHLETE BATTLE REVEALS HOW STATE'S POLICIES HURT HER CHILDHOOD AND SPORTS CAREER "[The Trump administration is] going to have to engage here, and the leverage that they've got is federal funding. We take millions in federal funding from the government every year. And we don't really savor the situation where that would be withheld. … But I'll take my chances with doing the right thing. … Banning boys from participating in girls sports is the right thing to do, so we need to do the tough things to make it happen." Wilhour also encouraged the IHSA to overrule the state government's direction and ban trans athletes from girls sports anyway. Maine has already seen the type of intervention that Wilhour is calling for, both internally and federally. Maine School District 70 moved to ban trans athletes from girls sports and comply with Trump, defying state law, earlier this week. Maine has also already seen its federal funding cut by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the Department of Justice has launched a lawsuit against the state for its continued defiance of Trump's order. A federal Title IX investigation is already underway in Illinois after a Deerfield mother alleged her daughter was forced to change in front of a trans student. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Deerfield Public Schools District 109 is facing a probe by the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Civil Rights after Illinois mother Nicole Georgas brought light to the situation. She filed a civil rights complaint with the U.S. Department of Justice after alleging school administrators attempted to force her 13-year-old daughter to change in front of a transgender student in the girls locker room last month. She revealed the complaint during a board of education meeting for Deerfield Public School District 109 last week, claiming the incident happened last month after her daughter refused to change into her uniform during physical education because a biological male student had been present. Deerfield Public Schools District 109 responded to the investigation in a statement to Fox News Digital and, like the IHSA, cited the Illinois Human Rights Act for its protocols. "Deerfield Public Schools District 109 complies with state law. The Illinois Human Rights Act prohibits all public school districts from discriminating on the basis of sex, including gender identity, and mandates that students must be permitted access to the locker room and bathroom that aligns with their gender identity," the statement said. The district also called on families to voice their concerns over certain policies. "The district and the board are united with our leaders and educators on this issue and have a shared commitment to upholding the law," the statement added. "The district and the board call upon all of those expressing concerns or perspectives on this issue with our staff and educators to do so in a respectful and civil manner. We are glad to work with families to address any individual concerns and determine appropriate next steps to support your child's well-being and participation." Follow Fox News Digital's sports coverage on X , and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter . Print Close URL
