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It is also a civil rights violation to discriminate because of arrest record (in employment), to retaliate against someone because he/she files a charge of discrimination, or opposes discrimination, to aid, abet or coerce someone to discriminate, to coerce, intimidate, threaten or interfere with any person in the exercise or enjoyment of their housing accommodation, or to interfere with the Department or Commission's duties.

In housing, it is illegal to discriminate against families with children under 18, or against impaired persons who keep or use guide or support dogs. There are also requirements related to design and construction of new multi-family housing, and making reasonable accommodations and modifications for persons with disabilities.

The Act prohibits discrimination in connection with employment opportunities, real estate transactions, access to financial credit, and the availability of public services and public accommodations. It also provides protection from sexual harassment in employment, sexual harassment of students in higher education, and retaliation for having filed a discrimination charge.

A discrimination charge can be initiated by calling, writing or appearing in person at the Department's Chicago or Springfield office within 180 days of the date the alleged discrimination took place in all cases except housing discrimination (one year filing deadline).

Divisions

Administration Division

The Administration division is the managerial and administrative body for the Illinois Department of Human Rights and is responsible for the following functions:  Financial Management, Fiscal Planning, Procurement, Inventory, Auditing, Legislative Bill Review and Analysis, Governmental Relations, Personnel, Public Information/Communications, General Office Services, Information Systems and Operational Planning.

Organizationally, the Administrative Division consists of the following program areas:  Fiscal, Legislative Operations, Management Operations, Personnel, Public Information, and Research Planning and Development.

Charge Processing Division

The Charge Processing Division receives and investigates charges of discrimination in connection with employment opportunities, housing and real estate transactions, access to financial credit, or the availability of public services and public accommodations, sexual harassment in employment, sexual harassment of students in higher education, and retaliation for having opposed discrimination.  The Charge Processing Division receives about 30,000 inquiries and  processes an average of 4,000 charges a year.  The Charge Processing Division is the largest division in the Department, consisting of the Intake unit, Investigation groups and the Quality Control unit.

Legal Division

The Legal Division oversees the investigative works of the Department and monitors the Liaison Unit and the Public Contracts Unit.

Attorney Works

Staff attorneys review all investigation reports that recommend a finding of Substantial Evidence and approve the findings before they become final and the parties are notified.  Attorneys also conciliate these cases and attempt settlements.

If the investigator recommends a finding of Lack of Substantial Evidence, the complainant may file a Request for Review with the Chief Legal Counsel.   The Chief Legal Counsel enters an order, which decides the case.

The Legal Division also provides investigators with technical advice, and responds to inquiries from the public on a daily basis by staffing the "Attorney of the Day" post.

Liaison Unit

The Liaison Unit provides specialized technical assistance to state agencies and other entities to enhance, strengthen and promote their equal employment opportunity/Affirmative Action compliance obligations.

It provides technical assistance on disability issues, as the Department's Coordinator of ADA and Section 503/504 for disability issues.  That makes the Department Director, in his capacity, represent as co-chair of the Interagency Committee for Employees with Disabilities.

Public Contracts Unit

The Public Contracts Unit processes the registration of companies bidding on public contracts and provides technical assistance in matters of equal employment opportunity and Affirmative Action implementation.

Programs

Institute for Training and Development

The Institute for Training and Development provides a broad range of workshops and seminars in the areas of equal employment opportunity and fair housing, etc. to enhance the sensitivity and technical knowledge of human rights organizations, municipal agencies, and the business sector.

Disability Program

The Disability Program provides information and advice to individuals and organizations around the state about disability issues and the requirements of related laws.  The program coordinator also serves as internal expert concerning matters relating to disability issues.

Mediation

The Mediation Program gives parties to employment and public accommodation discrimination charges an opportunity to attend a mediation conference to discuss disputes and resolve their differences. Successful mediation may result in a settlement of the charge and closure of the file. If the mediation is not successful, the case will continue to be processed and investigated.

Other Services

Press Inquiries: The Communications Manager responds to requests for information from media outlets and the general public. For information, send an email or call our office at 312-814-0093.

Community Relations: The Department conducts outreach to the general public and recruits for state agency jobs, focusing on people of color, underrepresented minorities, women, veterans, and persons with disabilities. For information, send an email or call our office at 312-814-4311.

Organizational Chart | Contact Address