What Happens When I File a Complaint of Discrimination?
The HRC is a neutral, fact finding agency, which means that we do not advocate for the Charging Party or Respondent when investigating an allegation of discrimination. The following is a synopsis of the steps involved in our investigatory process:
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Speak confidentially with an Investigator |
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File a formal complaint of discrimination |
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Allow 20 days for the Respondent to answer the allegations of discrimination |
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Discuss the Respondent's position with the Charging Party, and allow the Charging Party to present evidence to rebut what the Respondent has said |
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Discuss what the Charging Party wants to settle the charge |
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Request additional information (if needed) from the Respondent based on the Charging Party's rebuttal |
A variety of things may occur at this point, depending on the facts of each individual case:
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Schedule an On-Site visit to the Respondent's site. Interview witnesses and obtain necessary documentation; OR |
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Schedule a Fact-Finding Conference in which both parties are brought in to discuss the facts of the case as well as potential conciliation. |
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Conduct final interviews with the Charging Party/Respondent. |
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Investigator makes a recommendation of No Probable Cause or Probable Cause to the Executive Director. |
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The Executive Director issues the Final Letter of Determination. |
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No Probable Cause cases are dismissed. |
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Probable Cause cases are either settled, sent to an administrative hearing, or for a decision by the full Commission. |