Illinois school districts join federal lawsuit against social media companies for child safety

In a meeting that echoed with the urgency of modern challenges, the D128 School Board convened on February 26, 2025, to discuss significant developments in their ongoing social media litigation. The board is part of a larger coalition of over a thousand school districts nationwide, including 75 from Illinois, engaged in a federal lawsuit against major social media companies. This legal action, initiated in June 2023, aims to hold these companies accountable for the harm they have allegedly caused to children.

The board's representative provided an update on the litigation, revealing that the defendants' motion to dismiss the case has been rejected, allowing the proceedings to move forward. As discovery wraps up this month, the timeline for trial dates is set to be established by the end of summer. Notably, the legal team is preparing to depose high-ranking officials from Meta, Snap, TikTok, and YouTube, including their CEOs, starting in May.

The board emphasized that their participation in the lawsuit comes at no cost unless a monetary settlement is accepted, which would then involve a decision on whether to proceed with any financial obligations. This careful approach reflects the board's commitment to protecting the interests of their district while navigating the complexities of the legal landscape.

In addition to the litigation update, board member Jim Batson shared insights from a recent webinar focused on onboarding new school board members, highlighting the importance of fostering effective communication and collaboration. He also attended an educational technology conference, showcasing the district's commitment to staying informed about advancements in educational tools and practices.

As the meeting drew to a close, the board encouraged members to engage in upcoming events, including the Lakes Division meeting on March 12, and hinted at future discussions that would shape the district's direction. With a sense of purpose and community, the D128 School Board continues to address the pressing issues of today while laying the groundwork for a brighter future for their students.