December 2022: Reminder: Illinois Crown Act Goes Into Effect

Update Applicable to:
All employers in the state of Illinois.

What happened?
In our previous communication here, we notified you that Governor Pritzker signed into law Senate Bill 3616 (SB 3616), also known as the “CROWN Act,” which amends the Illinois Human Rights Act (IHRA) to expand the definition of “race” to combat unlawful discrimination in Illinois. 

What are the details?
Effective January 1, 2023, Illinois SB 3616 amends the Illinois Human Rights Act (the “IHRA”) and broadens the scope of the IHRA’s protections. The IHRA currently prohibits discrimination and retaliation based on race and other protected categories.

The IHRA’s amendment expands the definition of “race” under the IHRA to include traits associated with race, including but not limited to hair texture and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists.

For more information, please see the links below:

Senate Bill 3616 (SB 3616)

Previous Vensure Communication (July 21, 2022)

Article 1 – Article 2

What do employers need to do?
Employers should review the links above and may want to consider reviewing their grooming policies and practices to ensure compliance with the CROWN Act.