What are my rights as an employee in Illinois regarding discrimination in the workplace?

Discrimination Laws in Illinois

As an employee in Illinois, you are protected against discrimination in the workplace through various state and federal laws. The Illinois Human Rights Act (IHRA) prohibits employment discrimination based on:

• race
• gender
• age
• religion
• national origin
• disability
• sexual orientation
• gender identity
• marital status
• military status
• and other protected classes.

Under the IHRA, employers with 15 or more employees are required to provide reasonable accommodations to disabled employees, and employers with one or more employees are prohibited from discriminating against an employee due to pregnancy or childbirth.

Illinois also has laws governing sexual harassment, which include verbal or physical abuse, unwanted sexual solicitation, and creating a hostile work environment.

Additionally, federal laws such as Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) also provide protections against discrimination in the workplace. Title VII protects employees from discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, and sex, while the ADA prohibits employment discrimination based on disability.

Filing a Complaint

If you believe you have been the victim of discrimination or harassment in the workplace, you may file a complaint with the Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR) or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) within 180 days of the discriminatory act. The IDHR is the primary state agency for investigating complaints of discrimination in employment. The EEOC is a federal agency that investigates claims of workplace discrimination based on the federal laws mentioned above.

It is important to note that there may be certain limitations or exceptions to the protections offered by these laws. For example, some employers may be exempt from certain provisions of the IHRA due to their religious affiliation, and some claims of discrimination may be barred by the doctrine of at-will employment.

Legal Guidance

If you believe you have been the victim of workplace discrimination, it is advisable to consult with a licensed attorney who specializes in employment law. They can provide guidance on your legal options and help you determine the best course of action to take to protect your rights.