05/18/2026
From our IFT Rep:
Illinois can stand up even as we see academic freedom under coordinated political attack across the country. Curricula are being censored, faculty are being disciplined for protected speech, and outside actors are interfering with classroom discourse. Illinois has an opportunity to lead. We must take it.
Why SB 2202 Matters
Illinois statute does not currently define academic freedom. Faculty and students rely entirely on the goodwill of local institutions for protection, a protection that can be revoked or eroded at any time.
SB 2202 would prohibit public institutions of higher education from disciplining faculty members solely on the basis of speech or other communication that is protected by the First Amendment when engaged in activities outside the campus. It also ensures that control of teaching and research remain in the hands of faculty. The bill is sponsored by Senator Graciela Guzmán.
This bill is a baseline protection for educators and students who exercise their constitutional rights as private citizens. It should not be controversial, but it does require active pressure to pass.
Whom to Contact — Read Carefully
You must contact your ILLINOIS STATE SENATOR in Springfield. Do not call U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth or Dick Durbin. They are federal senators and have no vote on Illinois legislation.
If you are unsure who represents you in the Illinois Senate, look up your state senator here:
https://www.commoncause.org/find-your-representative/
After entering your home address, click “details” next to your Illinois State Senator to find their Springfield office phone number and email address. Use the SPRINGFIELD office number if possible.
Please Call if Possible
A short, polite phone call is by far the most effective action you can take. If calling is not possible, email — but please prioritize the phone. A 60-second call from a constituent carries significant weight with legislative staff during the final days of session.
Call Script
Adjust the script depending on whether you reach the Senator directly or, more commonly, a staff member. Either is effective.
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Hello, my name is ______________________ and I am a constituent residing at/in ______________________. I am also a member of the Elgin Community College Faculty Association, IFT Local 3791.
I am calling to urge Senator ______________________ to vote YES on SB 2202, the Academic Freedom of Expression Act, sponsored by Senator Guzmán.
This bill is important because:
• Illinois currently has no statutory definition of academic freedom. Faculty and students depend entirely on the goodwill of local institutions for protection.
• SB 2202 ensures that faculty cannot be disciplined by their college or university solely for engaging in speech that is protected by the First Amendment when expressed off campus.
• At a time when academic freedom is under coordinated attack nationally, Illinois must lead by codifying these basic protections into state law.
• This bill protects science and the search for truth which is at the heart of higher education.
I ask that Senator ______________________ vote YES on SB 2202 when it comes to the floor, and, if the Senator is not already a co-sponsor, that they sign on as a co-sponsor of the bill.
Thank you for your time.
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If You Reach Voicemail
Leave a brief message with your full name, your home address or city to confirm you are a constituent, the bill number (SB 2202), and your request for a YES vote and co-sponsorship. Voicemail messages are also logged.
If You Cannot Call, Email as a Backup
Email is less effective than a phone call, but it is better than no contact. If you must email:
• Place the bill number in the subject line, for example: “Constituent request: Please vote YES on SB 2202.”
• Open by identifying yourself as a constituent and a member of Local 1600.
• Include your full home address to confirm constituent status.
• Use the bullet points from the script above as your body text.
• Close with a clear ask: vote YES on SB 2202 and co-sponsor the bill.
Find your representatives. Learn how to find and connect with them. Stay informed about their bills, committees, and contributions.
