The Illinois Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment, and retaliation against individuals in connection with employment, real estate transactions, access to credit, public accommodations, and education.
It will not only benefit you, but your co-workers as well because it will likely make your workplace safer by creating a better environment for all. When you sue, you can also obtain a legal remedy for the discrimination you have faced. Employers often offer a significant sum in these cases.
Examples of Employment Discrimination Failure to hire. Harassment. Quid pro quo: Conditioning employment or promotion on sexual favors. Hostile Work Environment: Continuous actions and comments based on protected characteristics that create an uncomfortable and hostile workplace.
Age. Age discrimination involves treating someone (an applicant or employee) less favorably because of age. Disability. Genetic Information. Unlawful Workplace Harassment (Harassment) ... National Origin. Pregnancy. Race/Color. Religion.
You have the option to file a discrimination claim in state or federal court. Under state law, punitive damages (damages intended to punish employer) cannot exceed three times the amount awarded for actual (compensatory) damages.
Consider Speaking Up: If you feel safe doing so, consider addressing the behavior directly with your manager. Use ``I'' statements to express how their actions affect you. Report the Behavior: If the discrimination continues, consider reporting it to HR or a higher authority within your organization.
Report discrimination to a local Fair Employment Practices Agency (FEPA). If the discrimination breaks both a state and federal law, the FEPA will also send your complaint to the EEOC. Use the EEOC's directory of field offices to find the FEPA near you.