IL HB5404

Amends the Illinois Human Rights Act's Educational Article (Section 5A-103) to add sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity to the existing list of protected categories (race, color, national origin) against discrimination and harassment in schools.

Requires the Illinois Department of Human Rights to update its model training program for elementary and secondary schools to include prevention of discrimination and harassment based on the newly added protected categories.

Mandates all Illinois elementary and secondary schools provide anti-discrimination training to new employees and to existing staff at least once every 2 years, covering the expanded protected categories.

Protects students, parents/guardians, and school employees from retaliation when reporting discrimination or harassment based on any of the protected categories, including the newly added sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity.