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Human Rights Commission

Boards, Commissions & Committees

Filing a Complaint of Discrimination

In North Dakota, it is illegal to discriminate in employment, housing, public accommodations, government services and credit transactions on the following bases:

  • Race
  • Color
  • Religion
  • National Origin
  • Sex
  • Age (40 years of age or older)
  • Disability
  • Marital Status
  • Status as a recipient of Public Assistance
  • Familial Status (having children under the age of 18, being pregnant, or being in the process of securing legal custody of a child under 18) (housing only)
  • Participation in lawful activity off the employer’s premises outside of regular work hours that is not in direct conflict with the business-related interests of the employer (employment only)

Under regulations of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the City of Fargo also assures that no person or groups(s) of persons shall, on the grounds of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability/handicap, and income status be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination under any and all programs, services, or activities administered by the City.

The City of Fargo

If you believe you have been discriminated against by The City of Fargo or any other state or local entity, please contact the Human Rights Commission or call 701.241.1310. You may also fill out a Discrimination Complaint Form.

For more detailed information, please see the City’s policies and procedures relating to the ADA and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. Be sure to keep accurate records to help justify your claim by tracking dates, incidents, witnesses and others that may have experienced similar problems.

If your complaint is transportation specific, file a complaint directly with the Department of Transportation.

State of North Dakota

You may also choose to file a complaint with the ND Department of Labor’s Division of Human Rights.
600 East Boulevard Avenue, Dept 406
Bismarck, ND, 58505
1.800.582.8032
Email the ND Department of Labor’s Division of Human Rights

The ND Department of Labor's Division of Human Rights is responsible for enforcing the North Dakota Human Rights Act and the North Dakota Housing Discrimination Act. This responsibility includes investigating complaints alleging discriminatory practices, educating the public about human rights laws, and studying the nature and extent of discrimination in North Dakota.

U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

You may also choose to file a complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is responsible for enforcing federal laws that make it illegal to discriminate against a job applicant or an employee because of the person's race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information. It is also illegal to retaliate against a person because the person complained about discrimination, filed a charge of discrimination, or participated in an employment discrimination investigation or lawsuit.

Most employers with at least 15 employees are covered by EEOC laws (20 employees in age discrimination cases). Most labor unions and employment agencies are also covered. The laws apply to all types of work situations, including hiring, firing, promotions, harassment, training, wages, and benefits. The North Dakota Department of Labor’s Division of Human Rights Division works closely with the EEOC, and charges filed with the EEOC may be referred to the Division of Human Rights for investigation. In North Dakota, individuals seeking to file a charge of discrimination must do so within 300 days of the most recent discriminatory event occurred.

The EEOC has launched the EEOC Public Portal to provide online access to individuals inquiring about discrimination. The portal allows individuals to submit online initial inquiries and requests for intake interviews with the agency. Initial inquiries and intake interviews are typically the first steps for individuals seeking to file a charge of discrimination with EEOC.

You also may contact the EEOC at:
U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
Minneapolis Area Office
Towle Building
330 S. Second Ave., Suite 720
Minneapolis, MN 55401
800.669.4000
Fax: 612.335.4044