We explain what you need to know about the case process:

• Case process overview
• What happens after a charge is filed
• Investigation
• Possible next steps

After you submit a complaint form

• An intake officer will gather more information.
• We will review the complaint to make sure it:
  • Happened in Minneapolis within the last year
  • Falls under the ordinance

If we can investigate your complaint

We will work with you to draft a charge. 

A charge is a formal document that starts a discrimination case with the Department.

It sets out the:

• Basis for discrimination
  Examples: race or disability
• Area of discrimination
  Examples: employment or housing
• Basic facts of the discriminatory event

Before we can proceed

You must review, sign, and date the charge before we can proceed with your case.

Process starts

After a file is charged, we send:

• The respondent a copy of the charge
• Both sides an invitation to voluntary early mediation

Early mediation process

Early mediation is:

• With one of our trained mediators
• Voluntary
• A chance to settle the case early

The case follows the usual process if:

• One or both parties don’t want to try early mediation
• The case doesn’t settle in early mediation

Respondent process

• The respondent must respond to the complainant's charge within 20 days if early meditation does not happen or fails.
• The respondent should provide their perspective in a document called the position statement.
• The respondent may san submit evidence to support their position statement.

Complainant process

• The complainant will receive a copy of the position statement.
• The complainant has 15 days to respond to the position statement. The response is called the rebuttal.
• The complainant may submit more evidence to support their rebuttal.

Probable cause

If the Department issues a probable cause determination, we will schedule conciliation.

Conciliation process

The Department is a party to the case during conciliation.

In conciliation:

• The complainant, the respondent and the Department meet with a mediator to try to reach a settlement.
• Each party should be ready to discuss settlement.
• The Department often seeks:
  • Changes to training
  • Policies
  • A civil penalty from the respondent

Public hearing

If parties are unsuccessful at conciliation, the Department will refer the case to the Minneapolis Commission on Civil Rights for a public hearing. A public hearing is like a trial.

During a public hearing:

• Each side presents evidence.
• A Hearing Examiner or a panel of three Civil Rights Commissioners will hear your case and will make a decision.

No probable cause

If the Department issues a no probable cause determination, you have the right to appeal. 

Appeal

Complainants have 15 days to appeal the decision:

• A panel of Civil Rights Commissioners reviews appeals.
• The panel can sustain, reverse or remand the decision for further investigation.  

Minneapolis Commission on Civil Rights