Illinois Department of Human Rights

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Illinois Department of Human Rights

The state agency that protects the right to live free from discrimination, in every aspect of life. bit.ly/m/IllinoisDHR

The Act prohibits discrimination because of the following protected classes: race, color, religion, s*x, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status (with regard to employment), age (40 and over), marital status, familial status (with regard to housing), arrest record, physical and mental disability, military status, s*xual orientation, unfavorable discharge from military service, and order of protection status. The law protects against retaliation resulting from someone's attempt to exercise their right to fair housing or enjoy their full housing accommodation.

09/15/2026

Today marks the beginning of , a time to recognize and celebrate the rich cultures, histories, and traditions of Hispanic and Latino communities across Illinois and our nation.

Throughout the month, we honor the people, voices and experiences that have helped shape our communities and continue to enrich the places we call home.

At IDHR, we believe everyone should have the opportunity to live, work, learn, and thrive with dignity and respect. Hispanic Heritage Month is an opportunity to celebrate the diversity of our communities and the many cultures that make them stronger.

08/25/2026

Dolly Parton understood something powerful: culture can change hearts long before laws change minds. Dolly’s greatest gift was her remarkable ability to bring people together. Her music, generosity and message of kindness transcended borders, generations, backgrounds and beliefs.

Her life is a reminder that advancing human rights is not only found in laws or institutions. It is also found in how we see one another, how we treat one another and whether we choose to stand for the dignity of others.

What a wonderful example she leaves all of us.

To Dolly!

08/20/2026

Join La Casa Norte ALMA Chicago Equality Illinois and ILLCF for a community conversation on homelessness among Latine LGBTQ+ youth—grounded in new Illinois research, lived experience, and legislative solutions.

Featuring State Senator Omar Aquino and State Representative Lilian Jiménez.

📅 August 26 | 10:00–11:30 a.m.
📍 La Casa Norte, 3533 W. North Ave.

Free and open to the public and media. RSVP by scanning QR code, clicking the link in bio, or visiting bit.ly/4wMUqne

08/15/2026

☀️ Feeling the heat at the Illinois State Fair?

🪭 Take a break in one of our four air-conditioned buildings: Orr Building, Livestock Center, Illinois Building, or the Emmerson Building Lobby, or stop by the cooling tent on the east side of the Coliseum.

💧 Grab some water from any one of our water stations at the Ag tent
Governor’s tent, First Lady’s tent, Lt. Governors tent, Comptrollers tent, Attorney General’s tent, Treasurer’s tent or outside the Sensory station

Recharge, rehydrate and keep the fun going at the Illinois State Fair!

08/14/2026

Illinois State Fair plans? Come see us! 🎡👋

The IDHR team is inside the Governor’s Tent through August 23 with prizes to win, giveaways to grab, an interactive ‘We the People’ exhibit to explore, and resources to help you know your rights.

Stop by, meet the team, spin the wheel, and have a little fun with us! We hope to see you there!

08/13/2026

Yesterday, IDHR and fellow advocates and leaders celebrated Governor JB Pritzker’s signing of Senate Bill 3777, the Civil Rights Safeguard Act. During a time when federal initiatives have been undermining national civil right protections, Illinois continues to be a champion for equality and justice.

The Civil Rights Safeguard Act preserves longstanding civil rights protections under the Illinois Human Rights Act by codifying disparate impact protections in state law.

This established legal framework helps identify and address barriers to opportunity when policies or practices disproportionately harm protected communities – even when discrimination is unintentional.

Read the full press release at bit.ly/SB3777PressEvent.

08/01/2026

Thank you Governor JB Pritzker, Senator Adriane Johnson, Representative Justin Slaughter, our coalition partners, advocates, and everyone who supported Senate Bill 3777, The Civil Rights Safeguard Act, through witness slips and advocacy.

By codifying disparate impact under the Illinois Human Rights Act, this legislation strengthens Illinois' longstanding civil rights protections and reinforces our commitment to equal opportunity for all.

Learn more at https://dhr.illinois.gov/about-us/news-and-media.html

07/26/2026

Yesterday, the IDHR team was proud to join the Chicago Disability Pride Parade as people filled the streets with joy, pride, and celebration, honoring the strength, resilience, and leadership of the disability community.

Today, on Disability Independence Day, we recognize the 36th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)—a landmark civil rights law that expanded opportunity and strengthened protections for people with disabilities.

The celebration and today’s observance remind us that while we’ve made meaningful progress, the work to advance accessibility, remove barriers, and protect disability rights continues. Together, we continue building an Illinois where everyone has the opportunity to participate, contribute, and thrive.

07/14/2026

You have rights. Illinois law protects you from discrimination based on immigration status, citizenship, or national origin.

Our Immigrant and Citizenship Rights Resources website helps you access guidance, protections, and pathways to support – all in one place. Whether you're looking for yourself or helping someone you care about, you're not alone.

Explore the resources at dhr.illinois.gov/immigrant-and-citizenship-rights.

Address

555 W Monroe Street , 7th Floor
Chicago, IL
60661

Telephone

+13128146200

Website

https://dhr.illinois.gov/

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