Business & Work

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

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

These laws also prevent discrimination against you if you want to contact a government official.

You have 300 calendar days after the discrimination occurred to file a charge. Starting on January 1, 2025, you will have 2 years to file a charge with the Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR). You must fill out and sign the Public Accommodations Complainant Information Sheet. You can email the form to [email protected]. You may also send it by fax, mail, or in person.

Before visiting in person, you should fill out a contact form or call the IDHR location closest to you to confirm their intake hours.  You can take the form to IDHR at any of the following locations:

Chicago Office (photo ID needed to enter) 

555 W. Monroe Street, Suite 700
Chicago, IL 60661
(312) 814-6200
(866) 740-3953 (TTY)
(312) 814-6251 (FAX) Charge Processing

Springfield Office

524 S. 2nd Street, Suite 300
Springfield, IL 62701
(217) 785-5100
(866) 740-3953 (TTY)
(217) 785-5106 (FAX)

Office hours: Monday - Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM.

The IDHR Intake Unit will interview you. If your allegations are covered by Illinois law, IDHR will draft a charge that you must then sign.

The Illinois Department of Human Rights Intake Unit will assist you in preparing your charge. You will need to give them some information:

• Your name, address, and phone number,
• Information on the employer, union, or person who you are charging. Be sure to give names, addresses, and phone numbers,
• The most recent date of discrimination, and
• The names and addresses of any witnesses and copies of any relevant documents.

If you have a disability and need accommodations to participate in IDHR programs, you can request help from the Americans with Disabilities Act Coordinator. You may contact the Coordinator by calling (312) 814-6262 (Voice) or (866) 740-3953 (TTY).

IDHR provides interpreters upon request for languages other than English or sign language. If you choose to bring your own interpreter, the interpreter must be 18 years of age or older and able to communicate effectively in both languages. For more information, contact the Limited English Proficiency (LEP) Coordinator at (312) 814-6262.

Mediation is free and it is an alternative to an investigation. It may quickly resolve a charge. In mediation, you meet with the business and a mediator, who helps you explore options. The process is confidential.

Mediation may be held in person or virtually. The mediator does not force you to make a decision.

Accepting a settlement does not mean the business or public office is guilty. Your award can include money or no money. After a settlement is reached, both parties have 10 days to opt out. If you can't reach an agreement or choose not to participate in mediation, the charge will move to the investigation stage.

IDHR conducts a neutral investigation. The business or public entity must keep all records about the charge. They are prohibited from retaliating or punishing you for the charge. The IDHR might require the business to respond to your charge. You get a copy of the response. The investigator will contact you to discuss the case.

If the business does retaliate against you, you can file a retaliation charge with the IDHR. You should contact the investigator immediately if you believe you are being retaliated against. If your case has not been assigned to an investigator yet, you should contact the intake office.

You may be asked to attend a conference with the business, where you answer questions from the investigator. Failure to attend can dismiss your charge. Attorneys can attend but only to provide advice. They do not get to ask you any questions.

You do not have to be represented by an attorney. You can bring a friend along for moral support. You can also bring an interpreter.

Witnesses may be present. There is no recording of the conference. You will receive a copy of the investigator's report once it's completed. If the IDHR does not make a finding in 365 days, you can file a complaint in 90 days with the Illinois Human Rights Commission, or file a complaint in state court.

After the investigation, a report is prepared saying whether there was substantial evidence of a violation. Substantial evidence means that your complaint is valid and your case can be taken before the IDHR or a court. The Commission or the court will then hear testimony and decide whether you were discriminated against.

If substantial evidence is found, you have the option of:

• Having the IDHR file a complaint with the Commission, or
• Bringing your case to court.

If you request to file a complaint with the Commission, an attorney will be assigned to help you and the other party resolve things. If you can't settle, the IDHR will file a complaint with the Commission for you.

If the Department doesn't find substantial evidence, you can:

• File to have the finding reviewed, or
• Bring a lawsuit in court.

If the business or public entity doesn’t respond to the charge or doesn't attend the conference, you may win by default. The business may file a request to review the findings. The Commission's conclusions may be appealed in court.

You can request a review if your charge is dismissed. You can also file a complaint in state court within 90 days of the substantive hearing decision.

You'll need a lawyer if your case goes before the Commission. If you win your case, the Commission judge can award you whatever will make you whole again, like if you weren't discriminated against.

A three-member panel can review the recommendation of the Commission judge. Your case may take several years to resolve if it goes to a hearing.