Discrimination complaint overview

The City encourages you to report discrimination. Find out what you should know.

Overview

We explain what you need to know about discrimination complaints:

You can file even if you are not sure we can investigate

You can file a complaint even if you are not sure whether City law covers your issue.

If our office cannot investigate your complaint, we can still:

  • Guide you to where a complaint can be filed
  • Help you find resources
circle of people with one not fitting in
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Discrimination video

We explain what discrimination is under City law and what you need to know when filing a civil rights complaint. The video is available in four languages.

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.

File a discrimination complaint

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

Read the Minneapolis Civil Rights ordinance

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

Know the details of the complaint process

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 the Complaint Investigations Division

Contact us

Kaela McConnon Diarra

Director

Complaint Investigations Division

Address

City Hall
350 Fifth St. S., Room 239
Minneapolis, MN 55415

Office hours
8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Monday – Friday