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Sexual Harassment Training Required for All Illinois Employees

Monday, January 27, 2020
Margaret Bastick
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By Ashley L. Orler, Partner at Golan Christie Taglia LLP (“GCT”)

Beginning in 2020, all employers in Illinois are required to provide annual sexual harassment training to their employees. The new amendments to the Illinois Human Rights Act highlights the state’s intent to combat organizational tolerance of sexual harassment.

This training is required for every employee, not just members of management, and every employee must undergo training each year, even if new employees are hired later in a calendar year. Also, training should be provided to all employees, even those working outside of Illinois.

The Illinois Department of Human Rights will provide a free model sexual harassment prevention training program online*.  The Act requires the training to include the following information:

  1. An explanation of conduct that constitutes unlawful sexual harassment;
  2. Examples of conduct that constitutes unlawful sexual harassment;
  3. A summary of relevant federal and state statutory provisions concerning sexual harassment, including remedies available to victims of sexual harassment; and
  4. A summary of responsibilities of employers in the prevention, investigation, and corrective measures of sexual harassment.

Employers in the restaurant and bar industries have additional requirements for training and written policies.

If an employer fails to comply, the Illinois Department of Human Rights will issue a notice giving the employer thirty days to comply.  After that, if the employer fails to comply, penalties may be assessed against the employer.

The Illinois Department of Human Rights announced the model training program that will be compliant with the new law will be available on its website on March 31, 2020. 

Ashley L. Orler is a partner with the Chicago law firm Golan Christie Taglia LLP (“GCT”), and focuses her practice in the areas of employment counseling and litigation, and general business litigation.

* Training link added 8.4.2020

Material posted on this website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a legal opinion or medical advice. Contact your legal representative or medical professional for information specific to your legal or medical needs.