Illinois law
Civil Rights Laws in Illinois.
Illinois civil-rights practice combines federal constitutional and statutory claims with the Illinois Human Rights Act — one of the more expansive state anti-discrimination statutes in the country, covering a broad list of protected classes in employment, housing, public accommodations, education, and credit. Enforcement runs through the Illinois Department of Human Rights and the Illinois Human Rights Commission.
Last verified: 2026-04-17
State law
Statute of Limitations
Illinois civil-rights claims do not follow one universal deadline. IHRA claims generally require filing a charge with the Illinois Department of Human Rights within 300 days for employment matters.
State law
Key Illinois Statutes
The IHRA prohibits discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations, education, credit, and other covered areas based on a broad list of protected characteristics.
Federal civil-rights statutes — including § 1983 for state-actor misconduct and Title VII for employment discrimination — are frequently paired with IHRA claims.
State law
Official Sources
Not Legal Advice
This page summarizes publicly available statutes and rules for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, and no attorney-client relationship is created by viewing this content. Laws change — always verify with the primary source or consult a licensed attorney in Illinois.
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