Investigative Process

The Investigative Process:

• The business or establishment will be notified within 10 working days that a complaint against the organization has been filed.
• An initial mediation session will be scheduled, if both parties agree to participate. Otherwise, the business or establishment will have 10 days to respond to the complaint.
• An objective, timely and efficient investigation will be conducted and a determination will be made, based on facts, whether or not there is sufficient evidence to support allegations that a discriminatory act(s) has occurred.
• If both parties agree to participate, an initial conciliation meeting will be scheduled, if not, the housing provider will have 10 days to respond to the complaint.
• Steps will be taken to complete the investigation within 100 days. However, the investigation may take longer depending on the complexity of the allegations and level of cooperation by the parties involved.
• The parties will be notified of the Commission's determination on the merits of the complaint.
• The individual filing the complaint may request a voluntary withdrawal at any stage of the investigation.

Process Definitions:

Mediation: An impartial process conducted to help parties resolve their dispute. The parties may reach an agreement at anytime during the investigative process.

Determination: A written decision stating whether a discriminatory violation has occurred based on analysis of the allegations and facts determined during the investigation.

Withdrawal: A decision reached by the individual who filed a complaint to stop the investigation.