Champaign — Ch. 17 Human Rights § 17-77
Discrimination based on sociological or economic conditions or personal characteristics
Operative Text
In addition to other types of discrimination this chapter shall be interpreted to the end of eliminating discrimination on the basis of real or perceived economic and social conditions in which a person resides or is raised or personal characteristics shared by a group and which condition or characteristics are perceived to result in stereotypical behavior for which no statistically significant basis exists and upon which an individual takes adverse action against a person perceived to be in that condition or possess that stereotypical characteristic despite the lack of facts available upon which to base such adverse action. The Human Relations Commission should investigate complaints of discrimination not otherwise specifically prohibited by this chapter to determine if additional specific prohibitions or guidelines to prevent and remedy unwarranted discrimination should be adopted.
Champaign Ch. 17 § 17-77 extends the city's anti-discrimination framework to cover adverse actions taken against people based on real or perceived economic or social conditions, or on personal characteristics associated with a group when those characteristics are assumed to produce certain behaviors without any statistically significant basis. In other words, acting against someone because of stereotypes tied to their background or circumstances—rather than actual facts about that individual—falls within the scope of conduct this chapter aims to eliminate. The Human Relations Commission is also directed under this section to investigate complaints of this kind of discrimination and to consider whether additional specific rules or guidelines are needed.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Champaign Ch. 17 § 17-77, property owners and managers operating in Champaign generally ensure that rental decisions—such as applications, lease renewals, and tenancy terms—are grounded in documented, individualized facts rather than assumptions tied to a person's economic background, social circumstances, or group-associated characteristics. Compliant operators typically maintain consistent, written criteria for housing decisions that can be reviewed to demonstrate that no adverse action was taken on the basis of perceived stereotypes. Because the Human Relations Commission retains authority to investigate and potentially expand specific prohibitions under this section, staying current with any guidelines the Commission issues is a common practice among operators.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Champaign Ch. 17 § 17-77 provides a basis for tenants who believe they have been treated adversely because of their economic or social background, or because of stereotyped assumptions about a group they belong to or are perceived to belong to, to seek recourse even when the conduct does not fit a more narrowly defined discrimination category. One general path available under this section is filing a complaint with the Champaign Human Relations Commission, which is specifically empowered to investigate such claims and recommend or adopt additional protections. Tenants may also wish to consult a tenant-rights organization familiar with local Champaign ordinances to understand how this provision might apply to their circumstances.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated November 10, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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