Section Newsletters

Articles on Human Rights Act

Disability coverage under the Illinois Human Rights Act is different from the ADA By Shari R. Rhode Labor and Employment Law, February 2018 The difference of the definition of an individual under the IHRA is a fertile area for litigation from both the plaintiff’s and defendant’s perspective.
Discrimination claims: Commission review or independent civil action? By Carl R. Draper Labor and Employment Law, February 2018 In Metzler v. Katherine Shaw Bethea Hospital, the Second District has provided a recent ruling that very clearly outlines the contours of the independent right to file suit in court instead of the Human Rights Commission.
Sale to I.D.-carrying buyers only: A violation of human rights? By Michael J. Maslanka Human and Civil Rights, September 2017 A discussion of Deutsch Bank National Trust v. Peters.
Court parses Human Rights Act jury instructions By Michael R. Lied Labor and Employment Law, March 2017 The case of Schnitker v. Springfield Urban League, Inc. proves it is always helpful to read a decision that addresses jury instructions, particularly where there are no pattern instructions.
Human Rights Act Civil Penalties Increase By Michael J. Maslanka Human and Civil Rights, March 2017 Changes to the Human Rights Act became effective January 1, 2017.
Court affirms fee award under Human Rights Act By Michael R. Lied Labor and Employment Law, September 2016 A summary of Mendez v. The Town of Cicero.
Case review: Castillo v. Dep’t of Human Rights By Michael J. Maslanka Human and Civil Rights, September 2015 The case of Castillo v. Department of Human Rights, et al., deals with illegal discrimination in the rental of an apartment under the Illinois Human Rights Act.
Illinois Pregnancy Discrimination Law By Brian M. Dougherty Labor and Employment Law, February 2015 What employers need to know about this new law.
Is “pofluenza” a future protected category to The Illinois Human Rights Act? By Peter LaSorsa Labor and Employment Law, January 2014 People in areas that are less affluent are more likely to have lower credit scores and other negative background information in their files. Given two prospective employees with the same four-year degree and level of work experience, the credit report and background check may be the deciding factor in hiring.
Retaliation under the Illinois Human Rights Act By Hon. William J. Borah Labor and Employment Law, December 2013 A helpful overview for those looking to build a retaliation case under this statute.
Litigating Illinois Human Rights Act cases in federal court By Ferne P. Wolf Labor and Employment Law, April 2010 The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois recently decided it could hear Illinois Human Rights Act claims.
1 comment (Most recent July 12, 2010)
Common-law tort and federal anti-discrimination claims not preempted by Illinois Human Rights Act By Michael R. Lied Labor and Employment Law, January 2010 The Illinois Supreme Court reversed the judgment of the appellate court, and remanded to the appellate court to consider defendant’s other claims of error. 
New amendment to Human Rights Act By Peter LaSorsa Corporate Law Departments, October 2009 The Illinois Human Rights Act (“IHRA”), found at 775 ILCS 5/1-101, is being amended and, starting January 1, 2010, will offer protection to individuals who have an order of protection.
Some practical considerations when litigating under the Illinois Human Rights Act By Ferne P. Wolf Labor and Employment Law, June 2009 With the advent of Illinois Human Rights Act cases being filed in state court, employment law practitioners, accustomed to practicing in federal court, could become fish out of water.
Amendment to the Illinois Human Rights Act opens the door to civil suits By Peter LaSorsa Corporate Law Departments, November 2007 On August 13, 2007 Illinois Governor Blagojevich signed into law H.B. 1509, an amendment to the Illinois Human Rights Act (IHRA) which is effective on January 1, 2008.
Sexual orientation charges under the Illinois Human Rights Act—A preliminary analysis of the “sexual orientation” discrimination charges filed in the first eight months of the amended Illinois statute By Mark E. Wojcik Human and Civil Rights, November 2006 Discrimination based on sexual orientation became illegal statewide in Illinois on January 1, 2006, when the long-sought “sexual orientation” amendment to the Illinois Human Rights Act entered into effect.
Advising a client that a plea for supervision is not a conviction? Think again!!! By Thomas A. Bruno Human and Civil Rights, September 2006 When Lou Grant interviewed Mary Richards for a job at WJM-TV, he asked her about her religion. Said Mary: “You’re not allowed to ask that when someone’s applying for a job.
The Illinois Human Rights Act: What the new “Sexual Orientation” Amendment does (and does not) require By Mark E. Wojcik Human and Civil Rights, March 2005 The Illinois Human Rights Act prohibits invidious acts of discrimination in employment, real estate transactions, access to financial credit, and the availability of public accommodations.
Amendment to Human Rights Act addresses employee use of language other than English in the workplace By Yvonne M. Kato Racial and Ethnic Minorities and the Law, December 2003 On Friday, July 18, 2003, Governor Blagojovich signed Senate Bill 679 into law. This amended the Illinois Human Rights Act to provide that employers can no longer discriminate against their employees who speak multiple languages.
SB 1492-Right to sue legislation fails in the House By Glenn R. Gaffney Labor and Employment Law, November 2003 The ISBA Labor & Employment Law Section Council previously resolved to support the concept of proposed legislation which would amend the Illinois Human Rights Act so as to allow complainants the right to file suit in circuit court for an employment action (Article 2) under the Illinois Human Rights Act.

Select a Different Subject