Statement on Non-Discrimination in Institutions of Higher Education

On March 3, I addressed officials at institutions of higher education across the state with a letter to clarify their responsibilities under the Illinois Human Rights Act (IHRA). The letter affirms that all students are entitled to equal access to educational opportunities, programs, and activities – including athletic programs – without fear of discrimination.

The IHRA specifically prohibits the denial of a student’s full and equal enjoyment of facilities, goods, and services based on actual or perceived protected characteristics that expressly include sexual orientation, gender identity, sex, pregnancy, reproductive health decisions, disability, race, color, and national origin, among others. The IHRA thereby protects the rights of transgender students to participate in school athletics consistent with their gender identity.

Every student in Illinois deserves equal access to the opportunities that higher education provides, whether it’s in the classroom, on the field, or through extracurricular activities. Discrimination in any form has no place in our educational institutions. I am committed to upholding the protections under the IHRA to foster inclusive, supportive learning environments.

I issued the letter amid numerous threats to civil rights at the federal level and as part of IDHR’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that all Illinois students have equitable access to the full range of educational experiences available to them.

Read the full letter to institutions of higher education in Illinois.

For questions regarding the Illinois Human Rights Act or IDHR’s rules and regulations, call (312) 814-6262 or complete the Contact IDHR online form.

Sincerely,

Director James L. Bennett
Illinois Department of Human Rights