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File a Complaint of Discrimination

Human Rights Commission

If you believe you have been discriminated against in violation of either the Cambridge Human Rights Ordinance, chapter 2.76, or the Cambridge Fair Housing Ordinance, chapter 14.04, you may file a complaint with the Human Rights Commission.

How to Start

Contact the Human Rights Commission:

After your contact, the Commission will reach out to briefly discuss whether the complaint falls within the Commission’s jurisdiction. Next, the Commission’s attorney investigator will meet with you, the Complainant, to assist in drafting the complaint. The Commission will serve a copy of the complaint on the Respondent(s) so that they have an opportunity to respond. The Human Rights Commission does not represent either party during the investigation; it is a neutral party.

Requirements

If you believe you have been discriminated against in violation of either the Cambridge Human Rights Ordinance, chapter 2.76, or the Cambridge Fair Housing Ordinance, chapter 14.04, you may file a complaint with the Commission provided:

  • The act of discrimination occurred within Cambridge;
  • The type of discrimination is covered by the Cambridge Human Rights Ordinance or the Cambridge Fair Housing Ordinance; and
  • The complaint is filed within 180 days from the date of the last act of discrimination (NOTE: If the last discriminatory act was more than 180 days before the filing of the complaint, but less than 300 days before, a Complainant should contact the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD) to inquire about filing a complaint through that agency).

The Cambridge Human Rights Ordinance and the Cambridge Fair Housing Ordinance prohibit discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, gender, physical and mental disability, sexual orientation, religion, age, family status, marital status, military status and source of income. The Commission also works with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to enforce the Federal Fair Housing Act.

Additional Information

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, if you so choose. The Commission assists any person wishing to file a complaint of discrimination in Cambridge, regardless of immigration status.

Page was last modified on 7/24/2023 8:12 PM
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