IDHR Mediation Program

The Illinois Department of Human Rights’ Mediation Program gives parties to employment, sexual harassment (in employment & higher education), retaliation and public accommodation discrimination charges an opportunity to attend a mediation conference to discuss disputes and resolve their differences. Successful mediation may result in a settlement of the charge and closure of the case. If the mediation is not successful, the case will continue to be processed and investigated.

• The Mediator is neutral and does not represent either party.
• The Mediator does not decide the dispute.
• The mediation conference is confidential and is not part of DHR's investigation.
• Mediation is an alternative to an investigation.
  
  

If you have filed a charge with the Department and no fact-finding conference has been scheduled, you may contact the Mediation Unit to request a conference using this link: IDHR Mediation Unit. Your request must include your name, contact information, and charge number.

• MEDIATION is free. There is no cost to either party and you do not need an attorney to participate. IDHR's trained, certified Mediators provide the parties an opportunity to resolve the dispute before spending a lot of time and money to prepare or defend a case.
• MEDIATION is fast. A mediation conference can be scheduled soon after the charge is sent to the mediation unit; otherwise, a case may take months to be assigned, with additional time to complete the investigation.
• MEDIATION gives both parties the chance to be heard and give their side of the story. It also allows the parties to hear each other's concerns, address misunderstandings, and to work toward a resolution.
• MEDIATION is fair and neutral.  Parties have an equal say in the Mediation process and decide their own resolution terms, not the Mediator.  There is no determination of fault in the process.
• MEDIATION fosters cooperation.  A mediated dispute encourages a problem-solving approach to complaints and workplace disruptions are resolved.
• MEDIATION improves communication, which can lead to mutually satisfactory resolutions.  During mediation, parties share information that can lead to a better understanding of issues affecting the workplace.

• The parties can settle the charge at the mediation conference which will close the case at DHR.
  OR
• If no settlement is reached, DHR will investigate the charge.
  

• reinstatement
• reference letter
• clearing complainant's file of discipline
• training
• back pay
• harassment stopped
• development and posting of non-discriminatory policies
• promotion
  

Contact the Mediation Unit to request a conference.

Mediation Rules |  Mediation Conference Process