Sovereign Immunity Extends to Formerly Private Entities Now Owned by the State

In a recent ruling, the Illinois Court of Appeals affirmed that sovereign immunity extends to formerly private institutions now owned by the state, as seen in the case of Abo-Saif v. Bd. of Trustees of Univ. of Illinois. This decision highlights the complexities surrounding contract disputes involving entities that transition from private to public ownership. Plaintiff Bishoy Abo-Saif, a disabled student, faced significant challenges after his dismissal from John Marshall Law School, raising critical questions about the rights of individuals against state-owned entities. Discover how the court navigated these legal waters and what it means for future claims.