The Indiana Civil Rights Commission works closely with the United States Equal Opportunity Employment Commission (EEOC) and the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to eliminate discrimination within the state of Indiana through public education and enforcement of state and federal anti-discrimination law.
Investigators work to identify the issues presented in a Complaint and the types of information that must be collected in order to establish whether or not a violation of the Indiana Civil Rights Law or the Indiana Fair Housing Act may have occurred. The Investigators are neutral fact-finders who conduct interviews of the parties and any witnesses, request documents, make on-site observations, if necessary, and accurately compile the evidence in a Final Investigative Report for consideration of the Executive or Deputy Director.
The Investigations unit is divided into two sections—Employment and REPACE (Real Estate, Public Accommodations, Credit and Education). Each section carries on similar investigative functions but focuses on particular areas of enforcement. The Employment section investigates only Complaints in the area of employment, while REPACE investigates all other Complaints filed with the agency. The Employment section is responsible for meeting the terms of the agency’s partnership with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. REPACE is responsible for meeting the terms of the agency’s partnership with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
The Enforcement Process
- Filing a complaint: You must file a complaint with the Commission within 180 days of the date the alleged act of discrimination took place. Once your complaint is processed, you will be advised of your rights and responsibilities.
- Mediation:
This is a process in which an impartial person helps parties resolve their dispute prior to a thorough investigation.
- Investigation:
If the dispute cannot be resolved through mediation, the Commission will conduct a full investigation that is objective, timely and efficient.
- Determination:
A determination is issued indicating whether or not there is adequate evidence of discrimination.
- Notification:
You will be notified of the Commission’s determination and will receive instructions on how to seek the remedies provided for under the law, which could result in a hearing or civil action in a court of law.