Discrimination complaint overview
Discrimination video
Who can and why to file
Who can file a complaint of discrimination
Anyone who is experiencing or has experienced discrimination because of their protected class within the:
- City of Minneapolis
- Last 365 days
Protected class refers to elements of a person’s identity they cannot or should not be asked to change, such as:
- Race
- Gender
- Religion
- Sexual orientation
And more.
Why you should file a complaint of discrimination
The City takes discrimination seriously. If you believe you have experienced discrimination, we encourage you to file a complaint.
When you file:
- The Civil Rights Department documents your complaint.
- The City becomes aware of possible discrimination.
- There is no cost. Filing a complaint and the process that follows are free services.
- We conduct a neutral, impartial investigation.
Our complaint form is available in multiple languages: English, Spanish, Somali, Hmong, Lao and Oromo.
What we can investigate
Location and timing
We can investigate a complaint of discrimination if it is:
- Within Minneapolis city limits
- Filed within 365 days of the alleged incident
What are protected classes
We investigate discrimination based on what is considered a protected class.
Under City law, protected classes include:
| Race | Color |
| Religion | Ancestry |
| National Origin | Sex |
| Sexual orientation | Gender identity |
| Disability | Age |
| Marital status | Familial status (e.g., having children) |
| Status with regard to a public assistance program | Retaliation for reporting discrimination |
Where are you protected
You can file a complaint if you experience discrimination in any of these common areas:
| Business | Employment |
| Housing | Lending |
| Education | Professional organizations |
| Public accommodations (e.g., a shop or gym) | Labor union membership |
| Public Services (e.g., City employees such as police, housing inspectors) | |
Next steps
Information about filing a discrimination complaint
It’s important to document the discrimination:
- Write down details: Write down details close to the time it occurred, while it’s fresh in your memory.
- Keep track of dates and times: Try to keep track of the dates and times of events.
- Keep documentation: Keep relevant emails, text messages, voicemails, letters, photos and videos.
- Get witness information: If there are witnesses to your experience:
- Ask them to write down what they saw.
- Get their contact information.
What to expect after you file a complaint
We review your complaint
- An intake officer will contact you to get more information.
- Civil Rights staff may be able to help draft a charge of discrimination. This is a legal document that explains your experience.
- If we can’t investigate your case, the intake officer will help connect you to other resources.
Your complaint may become a charge
If we draft a charge of discrimination, the alleged discriminator must either:
- Attend a mediation session, where you could reach a resolution together, or
- Submit a response to the charges filed against them, so we can investigate
Questions or concerns
This information is a general overview of the process. If you have any questions, please reach out to the Complaint Investigations Division.
Contact us
Complaint Investigations Division
Kaela McConnon Diarra
Director
Address
City Hall350 Fifth St. S., Room 239
Minneapolis, MN 55415
Office hours
8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Monday – Friday