Rules for Hearings (PDF)

Minneapolis Commission on Civil Rights

Established in 1975, the Civil Rights Commission implements the City's Civil Rights policies through public information, education, mediation, conciliation and enforcement as stated in the Minneapolis Code of Ordinances. The primary objective of the Commission is to promote and protect the civil rights of the citizens of Minneapolis.

The Commission's purpose:

• To provide leadership in the areas of civil rights.
• To encourage and educate the public in the promotion of civil rights.
• To ensure that each Commissioner is kept up to date on the latest developments in the law and on community issues.
• To identify issues of principle concern to members of the community in the area of civil rights and set priorities and objectives.
• To develop a productive rapport with members of the City Council and Mayor's office.
• To advise the Mayor, City Council, and City agencies and departments with respect to Civil Right matters.
• To conduct research and studies to best carry out the objectives of the Civil Rights Ordinance.
• To enforce the Civil Rights Ordinance through education, conciliation, mediation and adjudication.

There are 21 members on the Commission, appointed by the Mayor and the City Council. The appointment is for a three year term. Mayoral appointments are subject to approval by the City Council and Council appointments are subject to Mayoral consent.

Executive Committee

The Chair and officers of each standing committee meet monthly to set agenda for regular commission meeting.

Standing Committees

Public Relations/Education

Creates Commission's public image; educates constituencies about Commission; monitors treatment of protected classes within the educational system.

Standards/Procedures

Monitors and revises internal, and external, rules and procedures of the Commission.

Public Meetings

A primary function of Commissioners is to serve on administrative hearing panels to decide discrimination cases investigated by the Department of Civil Rights. The investigation finds either probable cause or no probable cause.

If the Director finds probable cause and the matter has not been settled, the case is referred to Public Hearing made up of three Commissioners, one of whom must be an attorney in order to conduct the hearing. The Commissioners hear the case as as administrative trial, make their written findings, and issue an order either dismissing the case or to remedy discrimination. The hearing panel has broad powers: the ability to award damages, punitive damages, attorney fees, and other relief. Commission orders may be appealed for review by the State Court of Appeals.

If the Director finds no probable case, a three-person Commission panel may review the determination on the Complainant's appeal.

Meeting Times

The Commission meets on the third Monday of every month at 6:00 PM. The executive committee meets on the first Monday of every month at 5:30 PM. In instances where the third Monday falls on a holiday, the Commission meets on the fourth Monday.

Membership

Commissioners must be residents of Minneapolis and must favor the principles of equal opportunity and non-discrimination. Commissioners receive an honorarium for attending Commission meetings. Commissioners are required to adhere to attendance guidelines and Internal Operating Rules and Procedures.

Application materials are available from:

The Office of the City Clerk
304 City Hall
Minneapolis, MN 55415
cityclerk@ci.minneapolis.mn.us

Persons may apply on their own behalf or may nominate other persons for consideration.