Legal Question in Civil Rights Law in Illinois

I have recently received a masters degree in teaching. I am facing discrimination on two fronts. The first is that many school districts now will not hire anyone with a masters degree. The second is that I have been told that I will not be considered for any job at the same school were my wife is also a teacher. Are either of these practices legal?


Asked on 5/01/12, 5:14 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Thomas Moens Moens Law Offices, Chartered

Discrimination is not in and of itself illegal. One needs to be a member of a protected class for discrimination to be illegal. If they were not hiring you because you were African American or Catholic, you might have a case. Having an advanced degree is not a protected class. The prohibition on hiring you at a school where your wife is employed seems a reasonable policy to avoid the appearance of impropriety and nepotism in hiring practices. I would need to know more details to determine if this is in any way prohibited.

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Answered on 5/02/12, 6:26 am


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