Filing a complaint with the Human Rights Commission

If you believe your rights have been violated, you may file a complaint with the Commission provided:

• the act of discrimination occurred within Cambridge;
• the type of discrimination is covered by the Human Rights Ordinance or the Fair Housing Ordinance, or by Massachusetts Law if the respondent is located in Cambridge;
• the complaint is filed within 180 days from the last act of discrimination.

The Commission will initially review the Complaint to ensure that it falls within the three criteria set forth above. If it does, the Commission will assist the Complainant in drafting the Complaint and will give the Respondent an opportunity to respond. The Commission will provide a thorough impartial investigation of the Complaint which may include a Fact-Finding Conference, witness interviews, site visits, and the collection of relevant documents. At the conclusion of the investigation, the Commission will issue a Final Investigative Report. If the Commission finds that it is more likely than not that there was discrimination (Probable Cause), the Commission may attempt conciliation between the parties. The Commission may refer the case to the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination, the state civil rights agency, for public hearing, or schedule a public hearing itself. The Commission has the authority to issue a wide range of remedies after hearing, including the awarding of damages.

Once you have filed a complaint, you are protected under the discrimination laws against retaliation. There is NO CHARGE for filing a complaint, and it is not necessary to hire an attorney. However, it is your right to have an attorney represent you at your own expense.

The Human Rights Commission cannot represent any one in court. The agency cannot act as an advocate - they are a neutral party.