It is unlawful to discriminate in the areas of employment, education, public accommodations, credit, and housing. Complaints of unlawful discriminatory treatment must be based on a person's age, race, color, mental or physical disability, national origin, religion, creed, sex (gender), or sexual orientation. These categories are called protected class characteristics. It is also unlawful to retaliate against a person because such person has lawfully opposed any discriminatory practice.
Additionally, the Commission enforces local civil rights laws in the areas of credit and housing on the basis of familial status (families with children under 18 years), and in the area of credit and education on the basis of marital status.
Following the links above to learn more about areas of discrimination. Following the filing of a complaint, the Civil Rights staff conducts a thorough and impartial investigation of the allegations in the complaint. The complainant or respondent may request mediation of the complaint at any time during the complaint process prior to a probable cause determination. Mediation is not undertaken unless both the complainant and respondent agree to participate. Mediation may be discontinued at the request of either party. If the complainant and respondent do not reach a mediation agreement the complaint process shall continue to resolution.