The Illinois Department of Human Rights Alerts
Human Rights Act Expanding Protections from Discrimination in Housing
May 23, 2022: Governor JB Pritzker
signed HB2775 that amends the Illinois
Human Rights Act to ban discrimination in housing selection based on source of
income, including non-employment income such as Section 8 vouchers or
disability payments.
Click here to read the full press release.
IDHR Releases Guidance to Further Protect Transgender, Nonbinary and Gender Non-Conforming Students
December 2021: IDHR announces the release of non-regulatory guidance on non-discrimination protections for transgender, nonbinary and gender non-conforming students under the Illinois Human Rights Act (Act).
The new guidance document was developed based on a recommendation from the Affirming and Inclusive Schools Task Force. School districts, students and their families will now have a resource to better understand the protections afforded by the Act that ensure welcoming, safe, supportive, and inclusive school environments for all.
Click here to read and download the full guidance and press release.
Human Rights Act Enhanced to Include Work Authorization Status Protection
August 2, 2021, Governor JB Pritzker signed House Bill 121, ensuring the Illinois Human Rights Act protects anyone with federal work authorization, the legal requirement necessary to work in the United States, from employment discrimination. When verifying employment, employers may not refuse to hire an individual based on the status or length of status of their work authorization. This new change aligns protections in the Illinois Human Rights Act with those already in federal law.
Click here to learn more.
Report Adverse Judgments and Administrative Rulings Under 5/2-108
Beginning July 1, 2020, and by each July 1 thereafter, each employer that had an adverse judgment or administrative ruling against it in the preceding calendar year shall disclose annually to the Department of Human Rights, the following information: the total number of adverse judgments or administrative rulings during the preceding year; whether any equitable relief was ordered; and the number of adverse judgments or administrative rulings entered against the employer within specific categories outlined in Section 2-108(B) of the Illinois Human Rights Act.
Download the FAQ for Employers under Section 5/2-108 for more information. (Chinese) (Polish) (Spanish)
To report adverse judgments or administrative rulings, access and download the Form IDHR 2-108.
Illinois Human Rights Act Amended to Add Conviction Record Protections
Senate Bill 1480 adds another layer of protection for anyone that has come into contact with public law enforcement. Any person who believes they are experiencing discrimination at work or with a potential job because of their conviction record can now file a charge of discrimination with the Illinois Department of Human Rights. To assist Illinois employers with compliance and job-seekers, the IDHR has developed a comprehensive FAQ.
Read all IDHR's FAQ regarding conviction record protections and access the FAQ document.