Sexual Harassment Prevention

Illinois Sexual Harassment Prevention

Employers Must Provide Sexual Harassment Prevention Training

Every employer with employees working in the State of Illinois is required to provide all employees with annual sexual harassment prevention training that complies with Section 2-109 of the Illinois Human Rights Act ("IHRA").[1] Restaurants and bars are required to provide "supplemental" sexual harassment prevention training that complies with Section 2-110 of the IHRA.[2]

Minimum Standards for Sexual Harassment Prevention Training

The sexual harassment prevention training program must meet or exceed the minimum training standards outlined in Section 2-109(B) which include:

  • an explanation of sexual harassment consistent with the IHRA;
  • examples of conduct that constitutes unlawful sexual harassment;
  • a summary of relevant federal and State statutory provisions concerning sexual harassment, including remedies available to victims of sexual harassment; and
  • a summary of responsibilities of employers in the prevention, investigation, and corrective measures of sexual harassment.

Additional Compliance Information

  • Deadline to Train Employees. Employers must train employees on an annual basis.
  • Civil Penalty. Any employer that is in violation of Section 2-109 will be issued a notice to show cause giving the employer 30 days to comply. Failure to comply within 30 days will result in IDHR petitioning the Illinois Human Rights Commission for entry of an order imposing a civil penalty against the employer.