(110 ILCS 1010/1) (from Ch. 144, par. 231)

Sec. 1. Declaration of policy.) It is the policy of this State to prevent deception of the public resulting from the offering, conferring and use of fraudulent or substandard degrees. Since degrees are constantly used by employers in judging the training of prospective employees, by public and private professional groups in determining qualifications for admission to and continuance of practice, and by the general public in assessing the extent of competence of persons engaged in a wide range of activities necessary to the general welfare, regulation by law of such evidences of academic achievement is in the public interest. To the same end, the protection of legitimate institutions and of those holding degrees from them is also in the public interest.

(Source: P.A. 79-803.)