Subject Index Civil Rights

Multiple-occupancy restrooms may be designated for use by persons of any gender; requirements added for all-gender restrooms

January
2024
Illinois Law Update
, Page 16
The Illinois General Assembly amended the Equitable Restrooms Act. Any multiple-occupancy restroom (i.e., restrooms intended for simultaneous use by two or more individuals) may be identified as all-gender multiple occupancy restrooms and designated for use by persons of any gender.

Failures to Communicate

By Allen Wall, James V. Ferolo, Anthony G. Becknek, & Jonathan M. Priest
February
2023
Article
, Page 36
Knowing when to use professional translators in police/community-member interactions can help prevent litigation while saving valuable time and resources.

Racial disproportionality of children and parents involved in the child welfare system to be examined

January
2022
Illinois Law Update
, Page 16
The Racial Disproportionality in Child Welfare Task Force Act is enacted to examine the racial disparities of children and families in the child welfare system and to identify practices that could reduce such racial disproportionality.

A court must engage in a procedurally proper Batson hearing

December
2021
Illinois Law Update
, Page 14
On Sept. 27, 2021, the Second District of the Illinois Appellate Court found that a trial court failed to conduct a proper Batson hearing.

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.

Toward a More Just Illinois

By Dr. Mary L. Milano & Kenya A. Jenkins-Wright
December
2021
Column
, Page 36
A conversation with ISBA member State Sen. Elgie Sims Jr. (D-Chicago).
1 comment (Most recent December 20, 2021)

Law enforcement cannot run background checks on public meeting attendees

November
2021
Illinois Law Update
, Page 16
The Empowering Public Participation Act prohibits a form of intimidation sometimes used by law enforcement to deter participation in public hearings.

Inclusivity & Interdependence; Diversity & Dialogue

By Dr. Mary L. Milano & Kenya A. Jenkins-Wright
July
2021
Column
, Page 50
The cochairs of the ISBA’s Steering Committee on Racial Inequality on desiring equality and justice as an association.

Addressing Racial Inequality

By Dr. Mary L. Milano & Kenya A. Jenkins-Wright
February
2021
Column
, Page 40
An Illinois State Bar Association initiative; a nationwide imperative.

Rules against discrimination based on gender identity now extend to health insurance plans

November
2020
Illinois Law Update
, Page 18
The Department of Insurance adopted amendments to the Part titled Unfair Discrimination Based on Sex, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity or Marital Status, which is aimed at eliminating medical insurance discrimination.

All Things Being Equal

By Pete Sherman & Jim Covington
August
2020
LawPulse
, Page 10
ISBA Assembly overwhelmingly approves resolution to address racial injustice inside and out.

That Unspoken Thing

By Khara Coleman
July
2020
LawPulse
, Page 10
The chair of the ISBA Standing Committee on Racial and Ethnic Minorities and the Law reflects on the American legal system in light of George Floyd’s death.

Employers must give pregnant employees reasonable accommodations

February
2015
Illinois Law Update
, Page 18
It is a civil rights violation for an employer to refuse to make reasonable accommodations for pregnant employees. This is true no matter whether the employee is part-time, full-time, or probationary.

The Supreme Court DOMA Ruling, Civil Unions, and Same-Sex Marriage in Illinois

By Ray Prather & Padraig McCoid
September
2013
Article
, Page 460
The U.S. Supreme Court's DOMA case opens the door to an array of federal benefits for same-sex married couples. But Illinoisans won't enjoy its full advantages, the authors argue.

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).

(Asset) Buyer Beware

By Sherwin D. Abrams
December
2010
Column
, Page 644
Warning to buyers of going businesses: you may be buying some of your sellers' liabilities.
1 comment (Most recent December 22, 2010)

Employer v. Employee: When Is it Forbidden Retaliation Under Title VII?

By Nicholas P. Cholis
December
2010
Article
, Page 636
Does an Illinois employer violate Title VII's anti-retaliation provision by suing a worker who has filed a discrimination claim? Here's a look at this complex question.

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.

GINA prevents discrimination based on genetic information

By Helen W. Gunnarsson
September
2009
LawPulse
, Page 438
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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.

Pleading Civil Rights Claims

By Professor Jeffrey A. Parness
March
2009
Column
, Page 156
The challenges civil-rights claimants face in choosing a forum, shaping their pleadings, and more.

llinois Civil Rights Act amended to protect against gender discrimination. PA 0 95-0541

November
2007
Illinois Law Update
, Page 576
The Illinois General Assembly has amended Section 5 of the Illinois Civil Rights Act of 2003 to prohibit gender discrimination. 740 ILCS 23/5.

Race-Based School Assignments After Parents Involved in Community Schools

By Mark E. Wojcik
October
2007
Article
, Page 526
The Supreme Court struck down a pair of race-based plans for assigning students to public schools. So what kinds of plans do pass constitutional muster?

Slavery reparations claims dismissed by 7CA

By Helen W. Gunnarsson
April
2007
LawPulse
, Page 170
The court held that slave descendants' section 1982 claims are, inter alia, too speculative and the claimants too far removed from the wrong of slavery.

The Dream and the Dreamkeeper(s)

By Irene F. Bahr
March
2007
Column
, Page 116
Lawyers stand at the gates to challenge tyranny and abuse of power.

Separate but equal grooming standards okayed

By Helen W. Gunnarsson
June
2006
LawPulse
, Page 278
Requiring female but not male bartenders to wear makeup does not violate Title VII, the ninth circuit rules. 

What’s crude talk among Friends?

By Helen W. Gunnarsson
June
2006
LawPulse
, Page 278
Sexually charged talk in the workplace doesn't always equal sexual harassment, the California Supreme Court says. 

How Illinois’ New Gay Rights Law Affects Employers and Workers

By Bryan P. Cavanaugh
April
2006
Article
, Page 182
"Sexual orientation" is now a protected status in the Illinois workplace. Here's what that means for your clients.

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