Filing a Human Rights / Civil Rights Complaint

The Clinton Human Rights Commission processes human rights / civil rights complaints. 

Discrimination Prohibited

The Iowa Civil Rights Act prohibits discrimination in 5 areas:

• Credit
• Education
• Employment
• Housing
• Public Accommodations

Timeline for Filing a Complaint

Complaints must be filed within 300 days of the alleged discriminatory practice. 

How to File a Complaint

The Human Rights Commission processes human rights / civil rights complaints on behalf of and in coordination with the Iowa Civil Rights Commission. The City Clerk's office processes complaint intake and promptly provides all complaint paperwork to the Human Rights Commission for further action. The following items must be completed and submitted to the City Clerk's office at City Hall, 611 South 3rd Street or to the Human Rights Commission, in order to file a formal complaint:

• Complaint Form, Contact Form and Authorization Release Form (PDF)
• Instrucciones y formularios de solicitud en español

Applicants are encouraged to review the Complaint Form Instructions (PDF) document. The City Clerk's office is available to assist with questions, Monday through Friday from 8:00 A.M. until 4:30 P.M. The Human Rights Commission can also be reached via email to answer questions. The Clerk's office is able to print and mail forms, and provide assistance for the differently abled, upon request. 

Once a Complaint is Filed

Once a complaint has been forwarded to the Human Rights Commission from the City Clerk's office or directly received by the Commission, the Commission reviews the complaint to confirm:

• that the complaint is filed in the appropriate jurisdiction and that the Human Rights Commission has the jurisdiction to hear the complaint
• that the complaint meets the filing timeline
• that the alleged act is covered by the Iowa Civil Rights Act
• that no conflict of interest exists 

If the complaint meets all requirements, the Commission will reach out to the complainant and the respondent for more information and to schedule a meeting.