The Institute for Training and Development ("Training Institute") is at the Illinois Department of Human Rights ("IDHR"). The Training Institute offers a wide range of trainings related to the Illinois Human Rights Act ("IHRA") and workplace trends centered on issues of discrimination in the workplace. These courses are designed to increase knowledge, awareness and prevention of discrimination and harassment issues and offer solutions to employers and employees on how to appropriately respond to situations as they arise.

IDHR's classes are taught by certified trainers with more than a decade of real-world experience and first-hand knowledge in human and civil rights. We maintain a small trainer-to-trainee ratio to ensure a uniquely personalized approach. Our interactive style utilizes a combination of adult learning theory and real-world case studies to create a high impact training environment.

Yes, IDHR's Training Institute will customize a number of course offerings to fit unique organizational needs. Currently all courses are offered through remote learning only and all courses require a minimum enrollment. Course fees include pre-training consultation on a range of important considerations, including class length, emphasis, number of participants, training materials, and confirmed dates.

Training curriculum segments can be adapted to a variety of time and location considerations. IDHR provides training in both group and customized formats, with option for on-site training for public and private sector clients.

IDHR trainers are certified professionals with more than a decade of real-world experience and first-hand knowledge in human and civil rights issues.

A certificate of completion is provided to all individual attendees of Open to the Public trainings.

The earliest availability for private or customized training is a minimum of 6-8 weeks from the confirmed scheduled training date(s).

Employers and organizations can request customized training by completing an online request form available here.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Illinois Human Rights Act, IDHR will ensure that all programs are readily accessible to and usable by concerned individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for any training event, contact the Training Institute at least 72 hours prior to the event.

All new and existing employees of public and private (including private religious) elementary and secondary schools - including teachers, staff, and administrators - are required to complete the IDHR Model Training or its equivalent.

Effective August 1, 2024, public and private elementary and secondary schools must train their existing employees at least once every two years. Initial training must be completed by July 31, 2026. New employees must receive the Training as a component of their new employee training program, and then every two years thereafter.

The IDHR Model Training is self-paced and typically takes 90-120 minutes for most learners. The Training covers laws that prohibit harassment and discrimination based on race, color, and national origin, and retaliation. Interactive in its delivery, the training also features video interviews with Illinois educators and knowledge tests to apply learning.

It is the responsibility of public and private elementary and secondary schools to provide their employees access to the IDHR Model Training or an equivalent training that equals or exceeds the minimum standards set forth in Section 5A-103 of the Illinois Human Rights Act.

Your institution of elementary or secondary education (school) will instruct you on how and where you may access the IDHR Model Training or its equivalent. The IDHR Model Training will be available on the Ed Leaders Network (ELN), an on-demand professional learning platform developed by the Illinois Principals Association (IPA).

Training compliance will be verified by Regional Offices of Education (ROEs) at the school district level. Each school district will be responsible for documenting and verifying training compliance with ROEs.

Individuals who complete the Training on the Ed Leaders Network (ELN) are eligible to receive PD hours for training completion provided they 1) receive an 80 percent passing score on knowledge checks; 2) complete an implementation plan; and 3) complete the post-training evaluation on ELN.

Elementary and secondary schools who wish to use their existing training to meet the requirements of the Racism-Free Schools Law must ensure their training meet the 11 minimum standards set forth in Section 5A-103 of the Illinois Human Rights Act.

Employers who have 1 or more employees must provide a sexual harassment prevention training to their employees.

As of January 1, 2020, employers are required to train every employee each calendar year. By December 31st of each calendar year, all employees must have been trained.

Yes, IDHR has developed a model sexual harassment prevention training. It is available for download and online viewing at www.illinois.gov/dhr/training.

IDHR has made its curriculum from our Institute for Training and Development available on our website, where you can download our training in PowerPoint or PDF formats and online video/audio trainings in English or Spanish.

Yes, all employees regardless of their status (i.e. short-term, part-time, or intern) must be trained.

No, employers are not required to train independent contractors. However, it is strongly advised that employers provide sexual harassment prevention training to all workers, including independent contractors.

Employers are encouraged to retrain their new employees, regardless of whether the employee received training elsewhere.

Any employees who work or will work in Illinois must be trained, regardless of whether the employer is based in or outside of Illinois.

No. Training requirements are outlined in IDHR's Handout SHP-TR01 and SHP-TR02.

Employers may develop their own sexual harassment prevention training programs provided they meet or exceed the minimum standards. These must include: an explanation of sexual harassment consistent with the IHRA; examples of conduct that constitutes unlawful sexual harassment; a summary of relevant federal and State statutory provisions concerning sexual harassment; and a summary of responsibilities of employers in the prevention, investigation, and corrective measures.

Employers are required to keep a record of all trainings. Such records must be made available for IDHR's review.

Employers must provide their employees with a sexual harassment prevention training by December 31, every calendar year.

Employers should provide training to new staff as soon as possible after hire or by December 31, 2026.

Employers may use a third-party vendor or organization, have existing staff deliver the IDHR's model sexual harassment prevention training, or create and deliver their own training that complies with the minimum standards outlined in the IHRA. Employers should review any third-party training to ensure it meets or exceeds the minimum standards required under Section 2-109 and/or Section 2-110. For more information about minimum training standards, please visit www.illinois.gov/dhr/training and download IDHR Handout SHP-TR01 for general employers and Handout SHP-TR02 for restaurants and bars.

Yes. Employers must provide the training in a way that is accessible to its staff.

If an employer requires their employees to take the training outside of their regular hours, the employer should evaluate their obligations under the Fair Labor Standards Act and Illinois wage and hour laws.

Failure to provide annual sexual harassment prevention training is a violation of the IHRA. Employees may file a charge with IDHR.

Employees do not need to take the training at each workplace where they work over the course of a year.

If you think that your employer is not in compliance with the requirements of the sexual harassment prevention training, please contact the IDHR by calling (312) 814-6278 or by filling out an online inquiry form at dhr.illinois.gov/training.

Yes, every restaurant and bar is required to provide employees with supplemental training that meets or exceeds minimum standards.

Restaurants and bars may develop their own sexual harassment prevention training programs provided it meets or exceeds the minimum standards. Section 2-110(C) minimum supplemental training standards include: specific conduct, activities, or videos related to the restaurant or bar industry; an explanation of manager liability and responsibility under the law; and English and Spanish language options.

Yes, restaurants and bars are required, pursuant to Section 2-110(B), to establish a sexual harassment prevention policy and provide a copy to their employees. For more information on this requirement, visit IDHR's website at www.illinois.gov/dhr/training and download handout SHP-PLCY (Sexual Harassment Prevention Policy: Minimum Standards for Restaurants and Bars).

For individuals who hold a license issued by the Division of Real Estate of the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, the DRE will accept this course as completion of the sexual harassment prevention training requirement.

Basic Fair Housing Training is an introduction to fair housing laws provided by IDHR. It covers what laws need to be followed, what it means to provide equal access to housing, and what steps you can take to ensure that your process is fair for all applicants. Training is provided as a free virtual or online service.

Fair Housing Training is important for any property owner, manager, or industry professional that wants to make sure they are in compliance with fair housing laws.

IDHR offers Basic Fair Housing Training on multiple dates. Registration is available via Webex.

The Illinois Human Rights Act protects people from discrimination when they are renting, buying, or securing financing for any housing or commercial property in Illinois on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, and the presence of children - amongst other things.