Filing a Complaint

Anyone who believes that they have experienced illegal discrimination can file a complaint online or contact the Human Relations Office for more information. Sioux Falls City Ordinance requires that complaints be filed within six months of the alleged discrimination. After a complaint is filed, mediation is offered to the Complainant (the person alleging to have experienced discrimination) and the Respondent (the person alleged to have committed the discriminatory act). Human Relations Office staff investigate the facts and information regarding the complaint – this may involve speaking with witnesses or requesting additional information from the Respondent. The findings of the investigation are then reviewed by the Human Relations Commission. If probable cause is found, both parties are given the option to pursue conciliation or move to court. If conciliation is unsuccessful, parties again are given the option to move the matter to court or to request a public hearing by the Commission.

You may initiate a complaint online or download a PDF of our intake questionnaire and submit it to our office via email or mail.

Submit a Complaint Online

EMPLOYMENT DISCRIMINATION - COMPLETE ONLINE

HOUSING DISCRIMINATION - COMPLETE ONLINE

OTHER DISCRIMINATION - COMPLETE ONLINE

*Other Discrimination can be Public Accommodations, Public Service or Education

Download an Intake Questionnaire

Employment Discrimination
Housing Discrimination
Other Discrimination

FAQs

Is there a cost to file a complaint with Human Relations?

No. There is no cost to any of the services provided by Human Relations, including complaint processing.

 

Is there a time limit to file a complaint?

Yes. An individual has six months from the date of the alleged discriminatory practice to file a complaint with Human Relations.

 

Can I file an anonymous complaint?

No. Complaints must be verified and notarized. 

 

Is this a lawsuit in court? What's the difference between filing a complaint and suing the person?

No. Filing a complaint with Human Relations is an administrative process. 

Does Human Relations represent me?

No. Human Relations is a neutral fact-finding agency responsible for ensuring that anti-discrimination laws are being followed.

 

Do I need an attorney?

You are not required to have an attorney, but you can seek legal services at any time. 

 

How can I protect myself from retaliation after filing a charge?

After filing a complaint with Human Relations, you are protected from retaliation. If you feel that you have been retaliated against for filing a complaint or opposing discrimination, contact the Human Relations office. 

 

What remedies are available if discrimination is found to have occurred?

The goal of the HRC is to make any person has suffered discrimination “whole”. Making whole means to put the person who has been discriminated against in the position they would have been had the discrimination not occurred. The HRC seeks to facilitate resolution of disputes through mediation and conciliation. These dispute resolution methods can yield settlement or mediation agreements wherein the parties agree to some kind of compensatory damages.

Compensatory damages include such things as out-of-pocket expenses caused by the discrimination, employment reinstatement, alternative housing solution, or back pay. HRC does not have authority to award monetary damages for pain and suffering or for punitive damages.

If it is found that discrimination is ongoing, the Commission may obtain a court order to force Respondent to cease its discriminatory practices. If Respondent fails to follow decisions of the Commission or court orders, the Commission has authority to request that the City Attorney prosecute the matter and seek civil penalties for failure to comply. 

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