State of Illinois Encourages
Veterans and Service Members to “Know Your Rights”
Illinois Department of Human Rights
highlights anti-discrimination protections available under state law
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[November 11, 2016]
CHICAGO
– Illinois Department of Human Rights Director Janice Glenn today
issued a reminder of the anti-discrimination protections available
under the Illinois Human Rights Act to active duty service members
and veterans of the armed forces. State law prohibits discrimination
based on military status and also protects employers from
discrimination complaints if they establish a hiring preference for
veterans.
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“While we come together as a nation and state to recognize the
commitment made by our veterans, it is important to publicize the
strong legal protections available in Illinois to those who have
served, including freedom from unlawful discrimination,” said
Director Glenn. “I encourage both veterans and those on active duty
to familiarize themselves with the legal rights available to them,
particularly for employment.”
The Illinois Human Rights Act makes it unlawful to discriminate
against an individual based on their military status in regards to
employment, real estate transactions, or access to public
accommodations and financial credit. These protections are available
to veterans or active duty members of the armed forces of the United
States, reserve components, and the Illinois National Guard.
![](http://archives.lincolndailynews.com/2016/Nov/11/images/ads/current/burtonview_coop_sda_daily_farm_2016.png) “An example of the rights available under Illinois law is that an
employer cannot refuse to either hire or promote an employee who
serves as a reservist, based on the potential that they could be
called onto active duty during their time of employment,” added
Director Glenn. “Those serving our country with the United States
armed forces or Illinois National Guard should not feel that their
employment can be threatened by their commitment.”
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Under recently enacted Illinois law, employers are also protected in
their ability to establish preferences in the employment of
veterans. The Veterans Preference in Private Employment Act empowers
private employers to establish a preference for hiring veterans, as
long as there is a publicly posted policy that is applied uniformly
for all employment decision regarding the hiring, promotion or
retention of employees.
“Employers are beginning to discover that hiring veterans is a smart
business decision,” said Erica Jeffries, Director of the Illinois
Department of Veterans’ Affairs.” Not only do veterans deserve an
opportunity for employment, they bring to the table a much stronger
work ethic and sense of loyalty than other potential candidates.
Additionally, veterans are generally able to adapt more quickly in
unfamiliar environments, which shortens their transition time and
saves companies money on training and retention. Thanks to this new
Act, employers can choose to set a hiring preference for our
veterans; and veterans will have an opportunity to excel knowing
their new organization understands and respects their service.”
For more information on anti-discrimination protections, visit
www.illinois.gov/dhr.
[Illinois Department of Human Rights] |