Business & Work

It is illegal to discriminate in public spaces. This type of discrimination is called public accommodation discrimination. Illinois has laws that stop this type of discrimination in places like:

• Hotels,
• Restaurants,
• Theaters,
• Parks, and 
• Schools.

These laws also protect you if you want to contact a government official.

Charges the Illinois Department of Human Rights investigates

The Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR) investigates discrimination in public spaces like:

• Restaurants,
• Movie theaters,
• Libraries,
• Daycares, and
• Public schools.

It also investigates discrimination from government employees.

If you believe you have been discriminated against, you can file a public accommodations charge of discrimination. You must file the charge within 300 days of the alleged discrimination. Starting January 1, 2025, you will have two years to file a discrimination charge. Learn more about how to report discrimination in public spaces.  

How do I follow up on a pending discrimination charge?

You can follow up on a pending discrimination charge by:

• Emailing the Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR) at IDHR.Intake The screening process children who are arrested go through before seeing a judge. Intake procedures are often conducted by intake officers, probation staff, case and social workers, or police. @illinois.gov,
• Calling IDHR at (312) 814-4294, or 
• Filling out a contact form.