The Indiana Civil Rights Commission is tasked with accepting and investigating complaints of discrimination under the Indiana Civil Rights Law and the Indiana Fair Housing Act. After a neutral investigation is completed, the Director of the Indiana Civil Rights Commission will determine if there is cause to believe that an unlawful, discriminatory practice occurred. While a cause finding is not the same as winning a case, it start the formal process of moving an administrative hearing. Liability is only attached to the responding party if a final order in favor of the complaining party is issued by the Commission or by a court.
Probable cause findings are issued under the Indiana Civil Rights Law, and reasonable cause findings are issued under the Indiana Fair Housing Act. A finding of cause under either law means that the Indiana Civil Rights Commission has concluded its preliminary investigation and determined there is sufficient evidence to support reasonable suspicion that the Indiana Civil Rights Law has been violated.
2018
ICRC (Diefenbacher) v. Gamma Phi Beta Housing Corporation—HOha18050295(link)
Samantha Diefenbacher filed a complaint with the Indiana Civil Rights Commission alleging that Gamma Phi Beta Housing Corporation discriminated against her in the provision of housing on the basis of disability. Specifically, she alleged that she was denied the reasonable accommodation of an emotional support animal and that she was denied housing when she was told that she would be granted permission to “live-out” if she wanted to reside with her Findinemotional support animal. After a neutral investigation, the Indiana Civil Rights Commission determined that there was cause to find that a discriminatory practice occurred as alleged, and a charge was issued in the name of the Executive Director of the Indiana Civil Rights Commission.