What is the Iowa Civil Rights Commission?

The Iowa Civil Rights Commission is a neutral, fact-finding administrative agency that enforces the "Iowa Civil Rights Act of 1965," Iowa's anti-discrimination law.  The Commission doe not provide legal representation.

The Commission's vision is a state free of discrimination.

The Commission's mission is enforcing civil rights through compliance, mediation, advocacy, and education as we support safe, just, and inclusive communities.

The Commission fights discrimination five ways: (1) investigating and resolving discrimination complaints, (2) reconciliation of complaints by mediators and conciliators, (3) conducting a multi-faceted public education program, and (4) providing consultation and direction for communities wanting to identify and resolve diversity and discrimination issues locally.

What is discrimination?

The "Iowa Civil Rights Act of 1965" prohibits discrimination in the areas of employment, housing, credit, public accommodations and education. Discrimination, or different treatment, is illegal if based on race, color, creed, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, physical disability, mental disability, retaliation (because of filing a previous discrimination complaint, participating in an investigation of a discrimination complaint, or having opposed discriminatory conduct), age (in employment and credit), familial status (in housing and credit) or marital status (in credit).

Who may file a complaint?

Any person who claims to be aggrieved, or wronged, by a discriminatory or unfair practice, as defined by the the Iowa Civil Rights Act.

How is a complaint filed?

A complaint is filed when received in writing by the Commission. For more information about Iowa's anti-discrimination law and filing a complaint, call 515-281-4121 or 800-457-4416. There is no charge for filing a complaint.

Is there a filing limitations period?

Yes. Under Iowa law, a complaint usually must be filed within 300 days of the alleged discriminatory practice.

What happens after a complaint is filed?

A copy of the complaint is sent to the Respondent.  Usually a questionnaire is mailed to both parties.  The Commission staff will review the complaint, the answers to the questionnaires and any other collected information, and will then make a decision as to whether further investigation is warranted.

If the complaint warrants further investigation, the parties are offered an opportunity to resolve the complaint through a voluntary mediation process.  The mediator would be a neutral and impartial Commission staff member who assists the parties to negotiate a no-fault resolution of the dispute.  If an agreement is not reached, the complaint will be put in line for investigation.

When a complaint is assigned to an investigator, an impartial and thorough investigation will be conducted.  All relevant information is considered by the investigator.

Following an investigation, an administrative law judge reviews the collected information and decides: probable cause (discrimination probably occurred) or no probable cause (discrimination probably did not occur.) If the decision is no probable cause, the complaint is dismissed.

If probable cause is found, the Commission attempts to negotiate the best settlement for the complainant and the people of Iowa. The Commission does not become an advocate during the complaint process unless a determination of probable cause has been made.  If negotiation fails, a decision is made whether to proceed to public hearing. With notice of public hearing, the complaint is no longer confidential. After hearing, the Commission makes a final decision whether discrimination occurred.

If the Commission determines the respondent violated the "Iowa Civil Rights Act," the Commission will order appropriate "make whole" relief. Examples of Commission-ordered relief are: back pay and interest; actual expenses; an order to cease discriminatory practices, emotional distress damages, and reasonable attorney's fees.

How does the Commission educate the public?

The Commission conducts workshops and seminars on a variety of civil rights topics around the state, publishes and distributes materials on civil rights, and offers an extensive video lending library.

What materials are available to the public?

The Commission offers free materials: information fact sheets; EEO posters and brochures; Fair Housing Guide, posters and brochures; The Communicator newsletter; Team Diversity newsletter; Case Reports; Annual Reports; and many other educational materials. (Videos for loan require a small fee for handling.)

Call the Commission at 1-800-457-4416 or 515-281-4121 to request a speaker or materials.

Are volunteer workers wanted by the Commission?

Yes! The Iowa Civil Rights Commission welcomes volunteers to work in all phases of complaint processing, testing programs, public education, and administrative support. Work assignments are varied and flexible. You can be an active participant in the fight against discrimination in Iowa.

How do I volunteer?

Call the Ralph Rosenberg, executive director, at the Iowa Civil Rights Commission, 515-242-6537, or 800-457-4416 ext. 926537.

What more can I do to fight discrimination?

• Learn what discrimination is and how it harms the individual and society.
• Challenge stereotypes.
• Speak up against discrimination.
• Learn to appreciate diversity, and advocate for greater diversity everywhere.
• Talk to people about the evils of discrimination and the value of diversity.
• Help start diversity appreciation teams in your community, at work, and in the schools; and then participate.
• Participate in Study Circles in your community.

Iowa Local Commissions

Ames Human Relations Commission 515-239-5101

Bettendorf Human Relations Commission 319-344-4000

Burlington Human Rights Commission 319-753-8178

Cedar Falls Human Rights Commission 319-268-5112

Cedar Rapids Civil Rights Commission 319-398-5036

Clinton Human Rights Commission 319-243-0912

Council Bluffs Human Relations Commission 712-328-4618

Davenport Civil Rights Commission 563-326-7888

Decorah Human Rights Commission 563-382-3651

Des Moines Human Rights Commission 515-283-4284

Dubuque Human Rights Commission 319-589-4190

Fort Dodge Human Rights Commission 515-576-2201

Grinnell Human Rights Commission 515-236-2605

Indianola Human Rights Commission 515-961-9410

Iowa City Human Rights Commission 319-356-5022

Keokuk Human Relations Commission 319-524-2050

Marshalltown Human Rights Commission 515-754-5701

Mason City Human Rights Commission 515-421-3618

Mount Pleasant Human Rights Commission 319-385-1470

Muscatine Human Rights Commission 319-264-1550

Ottumwa Human Rights Commission 515-683-0600

Sioux City Human Rights Commission 712-279-6985

Urbandale Civil Rights Commission 515-331-6703

Waterloo Human Commission on Human Rights 319-291-4441

West Des Moines Human Rights Commission 515-273-0633 

How do I contact the Iowa Civil Rights Commission?

Iowa Civil Rights Commission

Grimes State Office Building, 400 E. 14th Street, Des Moines, IA 50319

515-281-4121; 800-457-4416 (toll free); 515-242-5840 (fax)

http://www.state.ia.us/government/crc