A SERIES OF NEW STATE LAWS IMPROVES EQUITY AND PROTECTS RELIGIOUS FREEDOMS FOR ILLINOIS STUDENTS. 

ONE LAW ALLOWS STUDENTS TO BE ABSENT FROM SCHOOL FOR A RELIGIOUS HOLIDAY OR RELIGIOUS INSTRUCTION. SCHOOLS MAY REQUIRE PARENTS TO SUBMIT NOTICE OF THE ABSENCE AHEAD OF TIME. ANOTHER, SPONSORED BY SENATOR ADRIANE JOHNSON OF BUFFALO GROVE, EXCUSES STUDENTS FROM P-E CLASS DURING TIMES OF RELIGIOUS FASTING.

SHE SAYS WHEN A CHILD IS FASTING, THEY MIGHT NOT HAVE THE STAMINA TO PARTICIPATE IN RIGOROUS ACTIVITIES.

A THIRD LAW REQUIRES SCHOOL HISTORY COURSES TO COVER THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF PEOPLE OF DIFFERENT FAITHS INCLUDING MUSLIM, JEWISH, CHRISTIAN AND BUDDHIST AMERICANS.