Policy Statement: Nondiscrimination and Affirmative Action

The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) employees, applicants for employment, recipients of services, and applicants for services will be free from discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment, and retaliation. This policy covers all terms and conditions of employment including recruitment, hiring, selection, promotion, transfer, pay, tenure, demotion, discharge, discipline, and privileges.

In accordance with applicable State and federal law, IDHS does not harass, discriminate against, or sexually harass any individual based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, pregnancy, citizenship status, military status, order of protection status, military discharge status, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

Also, in accordance with applicable State and federal law, IDHS does not retaliate against anyone because of that person's conduct in opposition to unlawful harassment, discrimination, or sexual harassment.

The non-discrimination, anti-harassment, anti-sexual harassment, and anti-retaliation policies regarding employees of IDHS are in conformance with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 [42 U.S.C. § 2000e-2]; The Civil Rights Act of 1991 [42 U.S.C. § 1981]; The Equal Pay Act of 1963 [29 U.S.C.§ 206]; Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 [42 U.S.C. § 12101]; The Illinois Human Rights Act [775 ILCS 5]; State Officials and Employees Ethics Act [5 ILCS 430/1]; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act [29 U.S.C. § 794]; HIPAA General Administrative Requirements [45 CFR 160]; HIPAA Security and Privacy [45 CFR 164]; Non-Discrimination on the Basis of Disability in State and Local Government Services [28 CFR 35]; Section 504 Grievance Procedure [4 Ill. Admin. Code 300]; The Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 [29 U.S.C. § 621]; The Nutrition Act of 2008 [7 U.S.C. § 2011]; Genetic Information Non-Discrimination Act of 2008 [42 U.S.C. § 2000ff]; The Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978 [P.L. 95-555]; Illinois Governor Executive Order 2 (2018).

Any IDHS employee or applicant for employment who feels discriminated against or harassed on the basis of protected characteristics as defined under IDHS policy, who feels they have been sexually harassed or retaliated against within the meaning of sexual harassment or retaliation under IDHS policy, has the right to file a complaint without fear of reprisal or retaliation.

Consistent with its stated policy on nondiscrimination and affirmative action and as permitted by law, IDHS is committed to undertaking affirmative action to promote equal opportunity for all State residents in every aspect of IDHS personnel policy and practice in regard to race, national origin, sex and disability as defined in federal and State statutes and regulations. IDHS is also committed to ensuring that appropriate training is provided to meet IDHS affirmative action goals and to eliminate discriminatory practices when authorized. Additionally, IDHS will reasonably accommodate pregnant employees as required by the law (P.A. 98-1050; Illinois Human Rights Act 775 ILCS 5/1 et seq.).

The Chief Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action (EEO/AA) Officer has direct access to the Secretary of IDHS to advise with respect to the preparation of equal employment opportunity programs, procedures, regulations, reports, and the agency's affirmative action plan.

The positive support of all IDHS managers and supervisors, administrative staff, and personnel is expected and required in support of this Affirmative Action Plan.