Subject Index Human Rights

Public libraries must adopt policies against removal of library materials due to disapproval from individuals or groups

April
2024
Illinois Law Update
, Page 14
The Secretary of State adopted amendments to the Illinois State Library Grant Programs, requiring public libraries to implement policies restricting removal of materials due to disapproval from individuals or groups.

Violations under the Human Rights Act can constitute tortious conduct such that the Tortfeasor Contribution Act applies

August
2023
Illinois Law Update
, Page 14
On May 24, 2023, the First District of the Illinois Appellate Court held that a violation of the Illinois Human Rights Act (IHRA) created the potential for liability in tort, as required by the Joint Tortfeasor Contribution Act (“Contribution Act”), such that a tortfeasor could set off recovery against it by a portion of another tortfeasor’s settlement with the plaintiff.

Unlawful discrimination based on race to include traits associated with race 

June
2023
Illinois Law Update
, Page 16
The Illinois General Assembly amended the Illinois Human Rights Act. Under the Act, it is unlawful to discriminate against a person because of their actual or perceived race.

Discrimination based on source of income in real estate transactions now unlawful

March
2023
Illinois Law Update
, Page 20
The Illinois General Assembly amended the Illinois Human Rights Act. The Act now prevents discrimination based on a person’s source of income in real estate transactions.

Procedures clarified for electronic filing and review requests under the Illinois Human Rights Act

January
2023
Illinois Law Update
, Page 14
The Human Rights Commission adopted amendments to clarify parties’ rights to file electronically and request extensions in requests for review. Pleadings may now be served electronically.

Nonprofit corporation subject to Illinois Human Rights Act for holding events at places of public accommodation

November
2022
Illinois Law Update
, Page 18
On Aug. 19, the Second District of the Illinois Appellate Court held that a nonprofit corporation was subject to the Illinois Human Rights Act.

Denying transgender employee use of the women’s bathroom violates the Illinois Human Rights Act

December
2021
Illinois Law Update
, Page 14
On Aug. 13, 2021, the Second District of the Illinois Appellate Court held that denying a transgender woman access to the women’s bathroom was discrimination under the Illinois Human Rights Act.

Human trafficking offense bars individual from operating motor vehicle

December
2021
Illinois Law Update
, Page 14
The Department of Transportation amended Commercial Driver’s License Standards; Requirements and Penalties. The amendment responds to the federal “No Human Trafficking on Our Roads Act” and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s added penalties for human trafficking.

Illinois protects against discrimination based on work authorization status

November
2021
Illinois Law Update
, Page 16
The Illinois Human Rights Act was amended to prevent discrimination based on work-authorization status. The amendment defines “work authorization status” as an individual born outside of the U.S. who is not a U.S. citizen and is authorized to work in the U.S.

Sweeping reforms implemented to address racial disparities in health care services

August
2021
Illinois Law Update
, Page 18
The Illinois General Assembly enacted Public Act 102-0004, spearheaded by the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus. The legislation focuses on correcting a system of injustice and racism in the Black community that has contributed to higher rates of medical problems among African Americans.

Administrative law judge acted under proper authority in entering default order against employer

July
2020
Illinois Law Update
, Page 14
In October 2008, a former employee filed a complaint with the Human Rights Commission alleging race and national-origin discrimination against the petitioner.

Organizations representing trafficking victims may bring causes of action

March
2019
Illinois Law Update
, Page 20
The Trafficking Victims Protection Act is amended by changing 740 ILCS 128/15 as follows.

Amendment to the Equal Pay Act prohibits wage discrimination against African-American employees

February
2019
Illinois Law Update
, Page 14
The Equal Pay Act of 2003 is amended to prohibit employers from discriminating between employees.

Responses to discrimination claims necessary only when specifically required

December
2018
Illinois Law Update
, Page 14
Amendments adopted by the Department of Human Rights now stipulate the circumstances in which the department has the discretion to request the filing of a response to a discrimination claim (56 Ill. Adm. Code 2520 (effective Sept. 17, 2018)).

The fight goes on

By Matthew Hector
July
2018
LawPulse
, Page 10
Illinois passed the Equal Rights Amendment on May 30, becoming the 37th state to ratify.

Department of Human Rights authorized to develop pilot project for electronic filing

December
2017
Illinois Law Update
, Page 16
The Department of Human Rights adopted amendments allowing the Department to develop an Electronic Filing Pilot Project providing procedures for electronic signatures and the electronic filing of documents when complaints or charges against an employer are filed with the Department.

Non-governmental, for-profit entities with 50 or fewer employees receive reduced fee for the Department of Human Rights’ Training Institute

December
2017
Illinois Law Update
, Page 16
Amendments were adopted to the Access to Local Records of the Department of Human Rights modifying the Department of Human Rights' regulations regarding the cost for on-site training conducted by the Department's Training Institute.

Transgender rights in schools - not just about bathrooms

By Matthew Hector
August
2016
LawPulse
, Page 12
A joint letter from the U.S. Departments of Justice and Education affirming transgender rights addresses a number of issues, including sports.
1 comment (Most recent August 10, 2016)

Department of Labor may refer joint equal pay and human rights complaints to the Department of Human Rights

March
2016
Illinois Law Update
, Page 26
Amendments to 56 Ill. Adm. Code 320 (eff. Dec. 21, 2015) allow for the Department of Labor (DOL) to determine, at any time during a pending complaint, to refer such matter to the Department of Human Rights (DHR) if the complaint also alleges a violation of the Illinois Human Rights Act.

Prohibition of transgender discrimination in health insurance practices

March
2015
Illinois Law Update
, Page 20
As of July 1, 2015, discriminatory insurance practices against transgender persons will no longer be tolerated. 50 Ill. Adm. Code 2603 (eff. July 1, 2015).

The right to go topless

By Matthew Hector
January
2015
LawPulse
, Page 10
Is a Chicago ordinance that requires women but not men to cover their breasts unconstitutional?

Stronger workplace rights for pregnant women and new moms

By Matthew Hector
November
2014
LawPulse
, Page 518
A new Illinois law, one of the most protective nationwide, requires employers to provide a range of reasonable accommodations to pregnant woman and new mothers.

Human trafficking victims can assert tattoo removal cost losses

July
2014
Illinois Law Update
, Page 320
Under the Victim Compensation Tattoo Removal Act, the definition of "pecuniary loss" now includes the costs incurred in hiring a licensed professional to remove a trafficking tattoo.

Employers may not violate pregnant employees’ civil rights. PA 097-0596.

November
2011
Illinois Law Update
, Page 556
The Illinois Human Rights Act has been amended to protect pregnant employees (775 ILCS 5/2-102).

EEOC complaints: sender’s fax confirmation “strong evidence” of receipt

By Helen W. Gunnarsson
February
2010
LawPulse
, Page 66
The seventh circuit holds that the fax confirmation generated by the sender's machine is strong evidence the EEOC actually received a complaint at a given time and date.

Strict Liability for Sexual Harassment by Supervisors

By Cynthia H. Hyndman, Robert Margolis, & Aleeza Strubel
September
2009
Article
, Page 454
The Illinois Supreme Court's Sangamon County Sheriff's Department decision subjects employers to strict liability for sexual harassment by their supervisors. So, who is a supervisor?

Sexual harassment and the chain of command

By Helen W. Gunnarsson
June
2009
LawPulse
, Page 278
Under state law, employers are liable for sexual harassment by supervisors whether or not the employer knew about it and even though the employee-victim doesn't work under the supervisor.

“Rape Shield” for Civil Lawsuits

By Helen W. Gunnarsson
May
2009
LawPulse
, Page 220
An Illinois House bill would extend the prohibition against admitting evidence of an alleged victim's sexual history to sexual harassment charges.

Human Rights Act doesn’t bar state, federal claims in circuit court

By Helen W. Gunnarsson
April
2009
LawPulse
, Page 168
Someone who can bring a claim under the Illinois Human Rights Act can nonetheless sue based on federal or common law in state circuit court, the supreme court rules.

Plaintiff-friendly ADA amendments take effect Jan.1

By Helen W. Gunnarsson
November
2008
LawPulse
, Page 548
Amendments to the Americans with Disabilities Act legislatively overturn recent U.S. Supreme Court rulings.

Select a Different Subject