SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Willie Preston passed a measure through the Senate Education Committee to increase educator diversity by overhauling the outdated teacher evaluation system.

“I recognize that diversity is necessary to ensure that students are given the perspectives of multiple backgrounds, cultures and ethnicities to better prepare themselves for the workforce and to have a more well-rounded education,” said Preston (D-Chicago). “We can start diversifying our educator workforce by making necessary changes to the current educator evaluation system in place.”

House Bill 3570 would require the Illinois State Board of Education to analyze and assess teacher evaluation data by breaking down information by race and ethnicity of students, teachers, as well as the free and reduced-price lunch status of students. This crucial legislation will empower non-tenured teachers who work in challenging environments and level the playing field for all teachers.

SKOKIE - State Senator Willie Preston and the Consulate General of Israel to the Midwest teamed up to co-host a tour of the Green Book exhibit currently on display at the Illinois Holocaust Museum. 

The Green Book exhibit tells the story of the Green Book, a guidebook that Black Americans used during the Jim Crow era to navigate safe spaces in the South. The exhibit explores the history of the Green Book and its importance as a tool for Black Americans to protect themselves from discrimination and violence.

State Senator Willie Preston was proud to co-host the event and hopes that it will bring attention to the important role that the Green Book played in American history. 

CHICAGO – Senator Willie Preston has released a statement extending his congratulations to former Senator Jacqueline Y. Collins on her appointment from Governor Pritzker to the Illinois Human Rights Commission, pending confirmation from the Illinois State Senate.

“I want to take the opportunity to congratulate and celebrate my friend Jacqueline Collins on her appointment to the Illinois Human Rights Commission. Governor Pritzker could not have made a better choice, as Jacqui has always been a fighter for equity, justice, and fairness for all,” said Senator Preston (D - Chicago)“From the local issues in our community to global affairs, she has stood on the side of what is right - and her pending addition to this Commission is welcome news to all.”

CHICAGO – Today, Senator Willie Preston of the 16th District, released a statement condemning the actions of the Tennessee General Assembly for their treatment of the so-called “Tennessee Three” and their expulsion of two Black State Representatives after they stood up for stronger gun control in the wake of yet another senseless school shooting:

“In the strongest possible terms, I denounce and condemn the Tennessee General Assembly for their un-American, un-democratic, and openly ignorant decision,” stated Senator Preston (D-Chicago), “I stand behind Reps. Justin Jones, Gloria Johnson, and Justin Pearson with my full support - as should all even-minded people across the country.”

“It sickens me to see two young, Black men removed from their duly elected office for standing up for what they believe in. As the only Black man newly elected to the Illinois General Assembly, this egregious act was particularly alarming to me. The Republican Supermajority in Tennessee is trampling over the rights of these young leaders and the voices of their constituents who democratically elected them.