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Public Accommodations Charge Information

Please save the form, complete and submit via email to IDHR.Intake@illinois.gov.  You may also mail your completed form to the Department’s address listed on the bottom of the form. If your Acrobat Reader doesn't open the CIS form, click here for help.

Public Accommodations

The Illinois Department of Human Rights investigates charges of Public Accommodations discrimination filed against: 

  • A business, recreation, lodging, entertainment, or transportation facility.
  • A public official.
  • A place of education.  

Prohibited Public Accommodations Actions

 The Illinois Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination in several public settings, for example:

  • A place of public accommodation: To deny or refuse the full and equal enjoyment of facilities, goods and services.
  • A public official: To deny or refuse the full and equal enjoyment of the services or facilities under the official's care.
  • A place of education: To refuse to enroll, allow access to facilities, goods or services; or engage in or fail to take corrective action to stop severe or pervasive harassment.  

Types Of Discrimination Covered

  • Race
  • Color
  • Religion
  • Sex
  • Sexual Harassment
  • National Origin
  • Ancestry
  • Military Status
  • Age - (40 and over)
  • Order of Protection Status
  • Disability - (physical and mental)
  • Marital Status
  • Sexual Orientation - (including gender-related identity)
  • Pregnancy - (including child birth, or related medical or common conditions)
  • Unfavorable Military Discharge
  • Retaliation - (for opposing unlawful discrimination)
  • Coercion / Aiding and Abetting - (helping or forcing a person to commit unlawful discrimination)  

What The Department Cannot Do

The Department cannot investigate Public Accommodations charges:

  • Based on political affiliations, personality conflicts, etc., unless such actions are alleged to be discriminatory for one or more of the reasons listed above.
  • Alleging unfair actions within prison facilities because they are not places of public accommodations.
  • Against places of education related to curriculum content or course offerings.
  • Against the Federal Government or Federal Officials. 

To File A Charge

Submit a completed Public Accommodations Complainant Information Sheet (CIS) either by email, mail, fax or in person.  If your allegations are covered under the Illinois Human Rights Act, a charge will be drafter for your signature.  A charge of Public Accomodations discrimination must be filed within 300 days of the alleged discrimination.  Download the CIS form using the button above.

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