"We are determined to end the cycle of institutional abuse. Northwestern can no longer hide from their public-facing elitism and secret coverups," Tamara Holder, an attorney representing the plaintiff, said in a statement to Crain's.
Consent Education: A Key to Preventing Sexual Abuse in Schools
At Tamara Holder Law, we represent survivors of sexual abuse throughout Illinois and beyond.
One of the most powerful tools we have to prevent abuse before it happens? Comprehensive
consent education.
Unfortunately, not all states agree on how—or even whether—to teach students about sexual
consent. A recent controversy in Indiana over Senate Bill 442 (SB 442) illustrates the ongoing
battle over whether schools should be required to teach this life-saving information.
Indiana’s SB 442: The Debate Over Consent in Schools
Senate Bill 442 in Indiana initially included a mandate to teach students about the importance of
consent as part of human sexuality education. That provision was then removed—sparking
public backlash—before ultimately being restored in the final version.
While the bill’s passage is a step forward for consent education in Indiana, the episode reveals
how fragile progress can be when sexual health education is politicized.
Illinois Consent Education Law: A Stronger, More Proactive Approach
In contrast, Illinois requires schools that offer sex education in grades 6–12 to include
consent instruction. This requirement, enacted under Public Act 101-0579, ensures students
learn that:
Further strengthening this commitment, the Keeping Youth Safe and Healthy Act aligns
Illinois' sex education standards with the National Sex Education Standards, covering topics
like consent, sexual orientation, gender identity, and healthy relationships.
Sexual Abuse in Illinois: Why Early Education Matters
Illinois’ approach isn’t just policy—it’s a response to sobering statistics:
These figures show just how urgent and essential early consent education is in Illinois and across the country.
What Our Law Firm Sees Every Day
As Illinois sexual abuse attorneys, we work with survivors who were never taught the language
of consent or didn’t understand their right to say “no.” Many share how they felt ashamed or
confused after being assaulted—feelings that better education might have helped prevent.
Consent education isn’t just about information—it’s about protection, empowerment, and
prevention.
Illinois vs. Indiana: Two Different Paths, One Urgent Issue
Illinois has set a strong example with its laws on consent education. Indiana, while now
including consent instruction in SB 442, showed how vulnerable progress can be.
The difference between the two states sends a clear message: some lawmakers still treat consent
education as optional. But in reality, it’s a non-negotiable part of keeping students safe from
sexual abuse and assault.
Survivors Deserve Support. We’re Here to Help.
If you or someone you care about has experienced sexual abuse, you are not alone. At Tamara
Holder Law, our experienced team of Illinois sexual abuse attorneys provides compassionate,
trauma-informed legal representation.
We handle cases involving:
Let us fight for the justice and healing you deserve. Contact us here, or by calling 312-440-9000.
Please call 312-440-9000 or email intake@tamaraholder.com if you have any information about Northwestern, the Athletic Department, Derrick Gragg, Homewood-Flossmoor High School, or any other issues related to sexual abuse in education.
April 7, 2020
Today, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker granted clemency for our client and commuted his sentence. He's going home!
Our client was just 14 years old when he was charged as an adult for a gun-sale-gone-bad involving his adult cousin and a man who was attempting to purchase an illegal firearm. He was sentenced to 25 years in prison.
13 years later, on April 7, 2020, Gov. Pritzker commuted our client's sentence, releasing him 12 years early from the Illinois Department of Corrections.
The Law Firm of Tamara N. Holder, LLC petitioned Gov. Pritzker for their client's early release just last year. Literally, in April of 2019, we presented our case to the Illinois Prisoner Review Board. While in prison, our client became involved in rehabilitation organizations, he became an accomplished artist, and he took advantage of every educational opportunity available, albeit the opportunities were slim.
Helping this young get his freedom back is one of Tamara's proudest moments of her 15-year career as an equal rights and pardon attorney.
We wish our client the very best. While he was incarcerated, he became an incredible artist and motivational speaker. We know he's going to have a great life as a free man. We look forward to filing another petition for a complete pardon - total forgiveness - one day down the road.
Thank you to the Illinois Prisoner Review Board and its staff, as well as to Gov. Pritzker, his legal team and staff.