This Fall 2024, the Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR) will release the Racism-Free Schools model training for teachers and administrators on how to prevent discrimination and harassment based on race, color, and national origin in elementary and secondary education. The training is developed in partnership with the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign College of Education.

Teachers, administrators, and school officials may access the training on the Ed Leaders Network (ELN), provided in partnership with the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE).  Public school educators in the State of Illinois receive free ELN access through a partnership with ISBE and the Illinois Principals Association (IPA). School districts or educators without ELN access may access the training via the IDHR website at no cost.

The IDHR model training must be delivered to all elementary and secondary education representatives at least once every two years. School districts may choose to develop or use another training program that equals or exceeds the minimum training standards outlined in Section 5A-103 of the Illinois Human Rights Act (IHRA). IDHR will provide additional guidance on training requirements and compliance in Fall 2024.