DIRECTOR OF THE ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RIGHTS TO SPEAK AT JANUARY 10^TH CLUB MEETING

On Thursday, January 10^th, the members of the DuPage Democratic Club are pleased to welcome Illinois Department of Human Rights Director Rocco Claps as our guest speaker. Mr. Claps was raised in DuPage County and attended DuPage Democratic Club Meetings as a young man.

Our meeting will start at 7:30 PM with a time for socializing and refreshment and will be held at the Lombard Community Building, 433 E. St. Charles Road, Lombard. The presentations by our guest will start promptly at 8 PM. 

Rocco Claps has been committed to public service since 1987.  Claps was appointed the Director of the Illinois Department of Human Rights in February of 2003, by Governor Rod R. Blagojevich, serving as the first openly gay cabinet member in the history of the state.  

The Illinois Department of Human Rights (DHR) was established July 1, 1980. Its mission is to secure for all individuals within the State of Illinois, freedom from unlawful discrimination and to promote equal opportunity and affirmative action as the policy of this State in all of its decisions, programs and activities. This is done through enforcement of the Illinois Human Rights Act, an Illinois State statute. The Department also enforces the (ADA) Aid to Disabled Americans Act.

In this position, Claps oversees the Department’s primary objective— to prohibit discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, marital status, physical or mental handicap, military service or unfavorable military discharge in connection with employment opportunities, housing and real estate transactions, access to financial credit and the availability of public services and public accommodations.  In addition, the Department oversees charges of sexual harassment.

The Department of Human Rights, under Claps’ leadership, was instrumental in passing legislation to include sexual orientation to the state’s Human Rights Act in 2005, making Illinois the 15^th state to offer such protections. 

Prior to his appointment, he served as Deputy Assessor with the Cook County Assessor’s Office in Chicago, Illinois. 

Claps held several prominent positions in the Clinton Administration between 1993 and 1999, highlighted by his tenure as Chief of Staff of the 1996 Democratic National Convention held in Chicago, helping to create one of the Party’s most successful conventions in history while expanding minority contracting opportunities. 

Claps also held a key post within the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as Director of Scheduling and Advance for then-Secretary Donna E. Shalala.

In addition, at the Democratic National Committee, Claps served as Director of the Secretary’s Office and Deputy Director of Constituency Outreach, advising the Chairman of the Party and White House staff on issues important to key constituencies, in particular to the Gay and Lesbian community.

He started his public service career working for Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, as Communications and Special Projects Coordinator, from 1987 to 1992, developing and advising lawmakers on statewide legislation and local constituency issues.  Highlighting his work was passage of anti-Hate Crimes legislation that included punishments for anti-gay and lesbian acts of violence.

Claps graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Communications from Illinois State University in 1983 with minors in Political Science and Public Relations.

Claps is committed to creating a Department of Human Rights which ensures that discrimination is never tolerated in Illinois and that all individuals who approach the agency for assistance will be treated with respect and dignity.

All DuPage Democratic Club meetings are open to the general public. We welcome and encourage attendance by individuals of all political views and affiliations.

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