CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Human Rights announced the release of non-regulatory guidance on non-discrimination protections for transgender, nonbinary and gender non-conforming students under the Illinois Human Rights Act. The new guidance document was developed based on a recommendation from the Affirming and Inclusive Schools Task Force.
“Ensuring every Illinois student has access to a safe, validating learning environment where they can be their true self is a top priority for my administration,” said Governor JB Pritzker.
Students in Illinois have the right to an educational environment free from discrimination and harassment based on their gender-related identity. Nationally, 78% of transgender and nonbinary youth report being subject to discrimination due to their gender identity, and transgender students who experience a hostile school climate are 41% more likely to attempt suicide.
IDHR encourages every school district to strengthen its policies, procedures, and practices relating to support for these students.
On December 6, 1979, the Act was signed into law, creating broad civil rights coverage for the people of Illinois. In 2006, the Act was expanded to include “sexual orientation” as a distinct protected class and “gender-related identity” within the definition of “sexual orientation.” Thus, Illinois became one of the first states in the nation to explicitly provide for the protection of the rights of transgender, nonbinary, and gender nonconforming individuals to be free from discrimination.
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