What Are the Duties for the Minnesota Department of Human Rights?
- The Minnesota Human Rights Act, Chapter 363A of the Minnesota state statutes, outlines the broad duties of the Minnesota Department of Human Rights. Headed by a commissioner, the department is charged with preventing unfair discriminatory practices in several areas including employment, public accommodations and services, access to educational institutions, credit discrimination and business discrimination. Protected classes include race, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, disability, sexual orientation and age. Additionally, legislation requires the commissioner to promote efficient fiscal practices within the department.
- Charges regarding violation of Minnesota's human rights protections can be provided to the Department of Human Rights directly or generated by the department itself. Upon filing of the charge, the department investigates the truth of the charge's allegations. Charges of a time-sensitive nature, such as those involving reprisal or with the potential for irreparable harm in lieu of immediate action, receive priority. The department then holds a hearing for the charge, upon which an administrative law judge makes a determination of discriminatory practice and issues remedies if necessary.
- The department issues certificates of compliance to employers with approved affirmative action plans for the hiring of women, minorities and people with disabilities. All businesses seeking public contracts with the state of Minnesota must have certificates of compliance. Additionally, the Commissioner of Human Rights is required to provide technical assistance for re-certification to any employer whose certification has been suspended.
- The department provides continuing education with the intention of promoting human rights among Minnesota's education standards, fostering dialogue among disadvantaged groups and developing human rights literacy among Minnesotans. The department publishes a quarterly newsletter, produces a regular video series on human rights and sponsors an annual Human Rights Day conference. Also, the department's website hosts an archive of settlement case histories for employers to review.