IL HB0279

Expands Illinois Human Rights Act sexual harassment protections to cover elementary and secondary schools, previously limited to higher education only.

Defines sexual harassment in elementary, secondary, and higher education as unwelcome sexual advances or requests for sexual favors by school representatives to students, or conduct that creates an intimidating or hostile educational environment.

Makes it a civil rights violation for school representatives to engage in sexual harassment or for institutions to fail to take remedial or disciplinary action when harassment is known.

Applies the same sexual harassment protections and definitions throughout the Act to retaliation provisions, state department authority, and local department/commission jurisdiction.

Takes effect immediately upon passage.