Illinois. Fair Employment Practices Commission

Illinois took up equal employment opportunity in 1943 2h3n Governor appointed Illinois Interracial Commission. Agency name changed to Commission on Human Relations by 1951 legislation. Responsibility shifted from study and reporting functions to receiving, investigating, and adjudicating complaints in 1961 when Fair Employment Practices Commission was created to replace Commission on Human Relations. New agency was to reduce employment opportunity inequities due to race, color, religion, national origin, or ancestry. It was composed of five members appointed by Governor. Besides enforcing relevant legislation it was responsible for conducting research and for promoting voluntary citizen compliance (L. 1961, pp. 1845-1854). Department of Equal employment Opportunity was created by 1978 legislation. Department assumed equal employment opportunity and affirmative action programs previously under Department of Personnel.

From the description of Fair Employment Practices Commission meeting minutes, 1962-1979. (Illinois State Archive). WorldCat record id: 36516490

The Fair Employment Practices Commission (1961- ), composed of five members appointed by the Governor, was charged with reducing employment discrimination (i.e., race; color; religion; national origin). For alleged unfair practices investigations, the Commission was authorized to subpoena hearing witnesses and evidence; and decisions were appealed to or enforced by circuit courts.

From the description of Closed case files, 1962-1979. (Illinois State Archive). WorldCat record id: 37229139