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File a Complaint

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If you think you were treated unfairly, contact the Sioux City Human Rights Commission to file a complaint. 

  • Service is free
  • Your information is confidential
  • Neutral fact finding agency

What is discrimination?

Discrimination means being treated unfairly because of who you are. It can happen in Employment, housing, education, public places (stores, restaurants, services) or credit (loans or financing).

Protected Reasons include: 

  • Race
  • Color
  • Religion or creed
  • Sex
  • National Origin
  • Age
  • Disability (physical or mental)
  • Marital Status (in credit)
  • Presence of Children (in housing)
  • Sexual Orientation

Complaint Process

Step 1: File a Complaint

You fill out a form explaining what happened.

Step 2: Response

The person or business you filed against is notified.
They can respond to your complaint.

Step 3: Investigation

An investigator gathers facts to review the case fairly.
Both sides may be asked to try mediation.

Step 4: After 60 Days

You may request a “right to sue” letter.
If you choose to sue, your case with the Commission will close.

Step 5: Decision

When the investigation is finished, a decision is made:

  • Probable Cause (evidence supports your claim)
    • The next step is conciliation (an effort to resolve the issue)
    • If resolved, the case closes
    • If not, the case may go to a public hearing or be closed
  • No Probable Cause (not enough evidence)
    • The case closes
    • You may still file a lawsuit on your own
    • All complaints are cross-filed with the Iowa Civil Rights Commission, and if appropriate with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

 Important Information

For the Sioux City Human Rights Commission to review your case, the discrimination must have happened in Sioux City within the past 300 days and must not already be filed with another state or government agency.

To request a complaint form for employment, public accommodation, education, or credit, or to receive a housing discrimination intake form, please contact the Sioux City Human Rights Commission's office at 712-279-6985. 

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