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About Us
Since 1980, we've served as a unified voice for civil rights protection.
Before the Illinois Human Rights Act was passed in 1979, discrimination victims faced a confusing maze of scattered laws and agencies across the state. But civil rights advocates and Governor Thompson recognized that rights only matter when people understand what they mean and how they’re enforced. They created the Department of Human Rights as one dedicated agency where every resident could turn for help.
Today, we protect everyone in Illinois from discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations, and financial institutions. When you face unfair treatment, we're here to listen, explain your rights clearly, and guide you through your options.
Mission
We aim to secure freedom from unlawful discrimination, and to establish and promote equal opportunity and affirmative action as the policy of this state for every resident.
Vision
We believe everyone has the right to live without discrimination in every part of life. To achieve this vision, we are dedicated to serving the people of Illinois with integrity, honesty and respect.
Our Role
You cannot be treated unfairly because of things like your race, religion, sex, disability, age, and many other characteristics. Learn more about where you are protected and what makes discrimination illegal.
Your Protections
You have the right to be protected from discrimination on the basis of traits like race, religion, sex, disability, age, and many other facets of who you are. Learn more about what state law prohibits.
Get Help
If you’re ready to find your next step, visit our Charge Process page to learn about your options and FAQs. You may have limited time to file or respond to a complaint, so it’s best to act quickly.