Filing a Charge

Click on one of the areas below to learn more and to file a charge

Discrimination Under the IL Human Rights Act

The Illinois Department of Human Rights ("IDHR") is the state agency responsible for enforcing the Illinois Human Rights Act ("Act").

The Illinois Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination in the areas of:

• Employment
• Fair Housing
• Financial Credit
• Public Accommodations
• Sexual Harassment in Education

Please explore the links and menu options above for additional information and forms for each area.

Discrimination is prohibited under the Human Rights Act on the bases of race, color, religion, sex (including sexual harassment), national origin, ancestry, military status, age (40 and over), order of protection status, marital status, sexual orientation (which includes gender-related identity), pregnancy, unfavorable military discharge and physical and mental disability. The Act also prohibits discrimination based on familial status in real estate transactions.

Charge Process

A charge of discrimination must be filed within 300 days after the alleged discriminatory action, or one year for a Fair Housing case.

The processing of a charged filed with the Department involves several steps.