Agencies
Services
Charge Process
If you believe you've faced discrimination or you've been named in a charge, we're here to help you understand what happens next. Whether you need to start the process or learn how cases move through our agency, this page will guide you to the right resources for your situation.
We use different procedures for housing and non-housing charges. Click here to learn more about the process for both kinds of charges.
Know your rights
Learning about your rights can help you decide what to do next. The Illinois Human Rights Act protects people from discrimination in different areas. Each area has specific rules and deadlines.
Understanding your rights and these deadlines will help you take action at the right time.
Articles
Employment
Protections against unfair treatment in hiring, firing, harassment, accommodations, retaliation, and other workplace decisions.
Financial Credit & Lending
Protections against discrimination in loans, banking, credit applications, interest rates, and financial services.
Education
Protections for students against discrimination and harassment in elementary schools, high schools, colleges, and universities.
Housing
Your rights to equal opportunity housing and commercial real estate, and related services, including real estate agents, mortgages, and appraisals.
Public Accommodation
Your right to equal access in stores, services, restaurants, facilities, public restrooms, and other public spaces.
Hate Incidents & Bias-Motivated Harassment
Information on reporting bias incidents, understanding protections, and getting help when targeted for a protected trait.
Subject Areas
Pregnancy & Parental Rights
Protections for pregnancy, childbirth, nursing, and related accommodations in employment and housing situations.
Disabilities
Requirements for reasonable accommodations and equal access in workplaces, housing, public spaces, and services.
Sexual Harassment
Guidance on recognizing, preventing, and reporting unwelcome conduct or hostile treatment in work or public settings.
Immigration & Citizenship
Rights protecting immigrants and multilingual communities from discriminatory treatment, documentation demands, or unequal service.
Gender & Sexual Orientation
Protections for transgender, nonbinary, and LGBTQ+ people across employment, housing, public spaces, and services.