Public Accountability Report

The Illinois Human Rights Commission (IHRC) is dedicated to promoting freedom from unlawful discrimination as defined by the Illinois Human Rights Act, 775 ILCS 5/1-101, et., seq. (the “Act”). The Act forbids discrimination based on: age (40+), ancestry, arrest record, citizenship status (in employment), color, conviction record, disability (physical, mental, and association with a person with a disability), familial status (in real estate  transactions), gender identity, marital status, military status, national origin, order of protection status, pregnancy, race (including traits associated with race like hair texture and protective hairstyles), religion, retaliation, sex, sexual harassment (in employment and elementary, secondary, and higher education), sexual orientation, source of income (in real estate transactions), unfavorable military discharge, and work authorization status (in employment). The Act forbids discrimination in employment, real estate transactions, education, public accommodations, and access to financial credit.

The Commission adjudicates complaints of discrimination pursuant to the Illinois Human Rights Act (Act).  The Commission’s primary function is to provide a neutral and impartial forum to adjudicate complaints of discrimination in the following ways: (1) for Commission Administrative Law Judges to conduct public hearings and render decisions on complaints filed with the Commission by the Department and individual complainants, (2) to review appeals from complainants of charges dismissed by the Department, (3) to review appeals from respondents of notices of default issued by the Department, (4) to approve settlements submitted by the Department and by Commission staff, (5) to determine en banc petitions filed at the Commission, and (6) to hear and determine a variety of other motions and petitions filed at the Commission.

The Commission’s primary responsibility is to make impartial determination of whether there has been unlawful discrimination as defined by the Act. We are also responsible for furnishing information to the public about the Act and the Commission. We strive to provide professional, competent, and considerate service to everyone who seeks information from us or who has a case before the Commission.

The Commission consists of seven members Board of Commissioners – a Chair and six Commissioners-who are all appointed by the Governor with advice and consent of the Illinois State Senate. Commission staff includes an Executive Director, who is appointed by the Governor, a General Counsel, a Deputy General Counsel, Assistant General Counsels, a Chief Administrative Law Judge, Administrative Law Judges, and administrative operations staff.

Funding for Fiscal Year 2023

In fiscal year 2023, the Illinois General Assembly appropriated a total of $4.2 million from the General Revenue Fund (GRF) to the Commission including $3.1 million to the Commission and $1.1 to the Illinois Torture Inquiry and Relief Commission (TIRC), for which the Commission provides administrative support, however it is important to note that TIRC has its own Executive Director, staff and volunteer appointed Board. At the end of the fiscal year, operational and contingent expenditures totaled a combined $3.5 million, $2.6 million from the Commission and $.9 from TIRC.

Fiscal Year 2023 Accomplishments

In fiscal year 2023, the Commission received a total of 351 cases, including: 21 Complainant filed by complaints, 84 Department filed complaints, 235 Requests for Review, 2 Defaults and 9 Settlements.  The total number of cases closed/disposed of totaled 483 including 9 Administrative Closures, 121 Final Order and Decisions, 9 DHR Settlements, 239 Request for Reviews, 14 Commission Matters and 91 Notices of Exceptions.

Fiscal Year 2024

During fiscal year 2024, the Commission will continue to focus its resources on adjudicating charges of discrimination under the Act.