EEOC complaints: sender's fax confirmation "strong evidence" of receiptBy Helen W. GunnarssonFebruary 2010Lawpulse, Page 66The 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.
Strict Liability for Sexual Harassment by SupervisorsBy Cynthia Hyndman, Robert Margolis, and Aleeza StrubelSeptember 2009Article, Page 454The 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 commandBy Helen W. GunnarssonJune 2009Lawpulse, Page 278Under 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 LawsuitsBy Helen W. GunnarssonMay 2009Lawpulse, Page 220An Illinois House bill would extend the prohibition against admitting evidence of an alleged victim's sexual history to sexual harassment charges.
Human Rights Act doesn't bar state, federal claims in circuit courtBy Helen W. GunnarssonApril 2009Lawpulse, Page 168Someone who can bring a claim under the Illinois Human Rights Act can nonetheless sue based on federal or common law in state circuit court, the supreme court rules.
Plaintiff-friendly ADA amendments take effect Jan.1By Helen W. GunnarssonNovember 2008Lawpulse, Page 548Amendments to the Americans with Disabilities Act legislatively overturn recent U.S. Supreme Court rulings.
ADA grievance procedures clarifiedMay 2008Illinois Law Update, Page 236The Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities has amended Part 800 of the Illinois Administrative Code to clarify the procedure that complainants must follow when they file grievances with the Council regarding alleged violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (42 USC §12101 et seq). 4 Ill Adm Code 800.
Trends in Seventh Circuit Sexual Harassment DecisionsBy William J. BorahApril 2008Article, Page 198Title VII is not a code of behavior, according to the seventh circuit. But the court has also expanded remedies for victims of "hellish" sexual harassment.
The Illinois Human Rights Act amended. PA 095-0025January 2008Illinois Law Update, Page 16The Illinois Human Rights Act has been amended by adding a sub-section (H) to Section 2-102. 775 ILCS 5/2-102(H).
The New Illinois Right-to-Sue Law for Employment DiscriminationBy Stephen E. Balogh, Randall D. Schmidt, and Lindsey MarcusJanuary 2008Article, Page 30The Illinois Human Rights Act now provides for a right to a jury in the Illinois circuit court in employment discrimination cases.
New law allows Human Rights Act plaintiffs to file in circuit courtBy Helen W. GunnarssonSeptember 2007Lawpulse, Page 454Complainants under the Illinois Human Rights Act can now file in circuit court instead of with state agencies. This brings Illinois into line with federal practice and that of 38 states.
2007 Spring Session RoundupBy Jim CovingtonAugust 2007Column, Page 408Highlights of this year's legislative session.
Changes made to Department of Human Rights proceduresFebruary 2007Illinois Law Update, Page 72The Department of Human Rights (department) has amended 56 Ill Adm Code 2520 to clarify and change the rules governing department procedures that follow the filing of a charge under the Illinois Human Rights Act.
New protected categories under the Illinois Human Rights ActFebruary 2007Illinois Law Update, Page 72The Department of Human Rights has amended 44 Ill Adm Code 750 to add sexual orientation, citizenship status, and military status to the list of categories protected in employment with government contractors under the Illinois Human Rights Act (Act).
What's crude talk among Friends?By Helen W. GunnarssonJune 2006Lawpulse, Page 278Sexually charged talk in the workplace doesn't always equal sexual harassment, the California Supreme Court says.
New requirements for respondents and state agencies under the Human Rights ActApril 2006Illinois Law Update, Page 174Through changes to Subparts C and H of Part 2520 to Title 56, the Illinois Department of Human Rights (Department) has stipulated new requirements for respondents under the Human Rights Act (Act) as well as new record keeping requirements for executive state agencies under the Act.
Terminology in the Illinois Human Rights Act explainedNovember 2005Illinois Law Update, Page 564In Part 2300 of Title 71, 71 Ill Adm Code 2300, the Illinois Department of Human Rights (Department) has amended three sections. Effective August 19, 2005.
The gay rights amendment: It's the lawBy Helen W. GunnarssonMarch 2005Lawpulse, Page 110The Illinois Human Rights Act now prohibits many kinds of discrimination against homosexuals, a fact of which you should apprise your clients – whether they like it or not.
A private medical clinic does not qualify as a "place of public accommodation"March 2005Illinois Law Update, Page 116On December 20, 2004, the Illinois Appellate Court, Fourth District, affirmed the decision of the Illinois Human Rights Commission (Commission) granting a medical clinic's motion to dismiss the pleading.
Counseling gay couplesBy Helen W. GunnarssonNovember 2003Lawpulse, Page 544While the issues that arise in gay relationships are familiar, the legal framework is different. It's a difference that family practitioners and estate planners should learn to navigate.
Housing discriminationOctober 2001Illinois Law Update, Page 516On July 17, 2001, the Illinois Department of Human Rights adopted amendments to section 2300 of the Illinois Administrative Code. 71 Ill Adm Code 2300.
