A person claiming to be aggrieved by an unfair or discriminatory practice must file a complaint with this office within 180 days of the last alleged discriminatory act.
Filing Guidelines:
- There is no cost involved in filing a complaint of discrimination.
- You do not need have an attorney before you file.
- The Cedar Rapids Civil Rights Commission will not act as your lawyer, recommend an attorney, or give you legal advice.
- Anyone may file a charge of discrimination as long as certain conditions are met.
- Parents or guardians may file on behalf of their minor children.
- Discrimination complaints may be filed against an employer, employment agency, labor organization, educational institution, property owner, landlord and/or any business or facility open to the general public.
- All inquiries and complaints are confidential.
- Discrimination complaints must be filed within 180 calendar days of the last discriminatory incident.
- Complaints can be filed with the Iowa Civil Rights Commission if beyond the 180 days but less than 300 days.
- The complaint must state a legal basis for the discrimination (See Areas of Coverage). Simply saying that someone discriminated against you or does not like you is not enough.
- A formal Charge of Discrimination must be signed and filed by the person making the allegations. Anonymous complaints cannot be filed or investigated.
- To learn more go to the Areas of Coverage page to determine what specific types of coverages are available.
- It is important to note that the Complaint form is not a formal charge of discrimination.
- We will not act as your attorney or provide you with legal advice.
- Please note that it is unlawful under the laws of the State of Iowa and the laws of the United States of America to falsely file a claim against another person or entity.
