Employees
are protected from employment
discrimination
through
federal and state laws. While the federal protections are fairly
extensive, Illinois state law provides even larger groups of people
with protection. Understanding these laws will enable individuals to
recognize if they have been discriminated against in relation to
employment.
Protected Classes
Through numerous different laws, the federal government prohibits discrimination based on:
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1. Race/Color;
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2. National origin;
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3. Religion;
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4. Sex;
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5. Disability;
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6. Age (for people over 40);
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7. Citizenship status; and
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8. Genetic information
The federal laws provide the minimum protections afforded to individuals. Through its own laws, Illinois provides protection from discrimination based on:
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1. Marital status;
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2. Sexual orientation;
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3. Military status;
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4. Unfavorable military discharge;
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5. Gender identity;
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6. Arrest record; and
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7. Lack of permanent mailing address or using the address of a shelter or social service provider.
The Illinois Department of Human Rights (Department) investigates employment discrimination filed against private employers, state or local government, unions, and employment agencies. A charge of employment discrimination must be filed within 180 days of the alleged discrimination in order to utilize the Department to investigate. Alternatively, an individual can file a claim with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
The Department will only investigate claims against companies with 15 or more employees, unless:
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1. The charge alleges sexual harassment, retaliation, or physical or mental disability discrimination – in these circumstances only one employee subjects the employer to the anti-discrimination law;
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2. The employer is a public contractor, which is defined as an employer who does business with Illinois or a unit of local government; or
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3. The employer is a unit of state government.
Under the Illinois Human Rights Act, it is a civil rights violation for an “employer to refuse to hire, to segregate, or to act with respect to recruitment, hiring, promotion, renewal of employment, selection for training or apprenticeship, discharge, discipline, tenure or terms, privileges or conditions of employment on the basis of unlawful discrimination or citizenship status.” It is also unlawful for an employer to impose a restriction that has the effect of prohibiting an employee from using a language to communicate in situations unrelated to the employee’s duties.
Illinois law protects against discrimination based on pregnancy, childbirth, or medical or common conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth. Further, the employer must provide reasonable accommodations when requested by an employee for issues related to pregnancy or childbirth unless the employer can demonstrate that providing such accommodations would impose an undue hardship on the ordinary course of the employer’s business.
Can We Help You?
Employees in Illinois are provided with a great deal of protection from employment discrimination by both federal and state law. If you believe you have been discriminated against in relation to employment, you should speak with an experienced Illinois employment law attorney. Drost, Gilbert, Andrew & Apicella, LLC serves clients throughout the northwest suburbs, including Rolling Meadows, Barrington, and Arlington Heights.
About the Author: Attorney Ken Apicella is a founding partner of DGAA focusing in the areas of personal injury, employment, insurance coverage disputes, and civil litigation. Ken earned his J.D. from DePaul University College of Law in 1999. He has been named a SuperLawyers Rising Star and a Forty Illinois Attorneys Under Forty to Watch. Ken has written and lectured for the Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education and regularly serves as a moderator at Northwest Suburban Bar Association's Continuing Legal Education seminars.