Reporting Discrimination in Minneapolis

Numerous state and federal laws protect workers’ rights, but they are only useful if workers know how to utilize them.  If you were the victim of workplace discrimination, would you know how and where to report it before deadlines and documentation gaps affect your rights?

Our experienced team of employment discrimination attorneys at Wanta Thome can assist you with all aspects of your discrimination claim, from initially reporting discrimination in Minneapolis to pursuing compensation in a lawsuit. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and receive strategic, client-focused legal representation.

Do I Need to Report Discrimination to Human Resources?

If you were the victim of workplace discrimination, company policy may require you to report it internally to human resources (HR) before filing a complaint with an outside agency. However, the HR department also works for your Minneapolis employer. Filing a discrimination report internally can seem pointless, and may even put your job at risk.

To protect your rights and avoid steps that could weaken your position, consult with a skilled employment law attorney before reporting to HR. The experienced attorneys at Wanta Thome Employment Lawyers can help you assess your reporting responsibilities and advise you on common mistakes to avoid. We can ensure you understand the next steps, including reporting the harassment to a state or federal agency.

Where Should Your Discrimination Complaint Be Filed?

If you live and work in Minneapolis, you will likely be reporting discrimination to the Minnesota Department of Human Rights (MDHR). This is advantageous, as the anti-discrimination protections outlined in the Minnesota Human Rights Act are among the strongest in the country.

As specified in Minnesota Statute § 363A.28, employees typically have one year from the discriminatory act to file with the MDHR, and waiting can limit investigative options and available remedies. The complaint needs to be in writing and signed by the complainant. It should contain the full details of what happened and who was involved (including all necessary identifying information). The commissioner of the MDHR can then proceed with an investigation and any other appropriate actions.

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is the federal agency tasked with investigating workplace discrimination complaints. A separate report to the EEOC may be necessary if your employer operates in more than one state, you are alleging a violation of federal law, or you want to bring a federal lawsuit.

Finally, Minneapolis has its own civil rights agency where you can report workplace discrimination using their discrimination complaint form. During your free case evaluation, our legal team can determine which agency you should contact and help you file a complaint.

Our Attorneys Can Guide You Through Every Step of the Process

Reporting workplace discrimination can be a time-consuming and confusing process. Instead of letting this dissuade you from taking action, contact our firm for assistance.

Our award-winning Minneapolis attorneys are ready to guide you through every step of the legal process, from filing a discrimination complaint to pursuing litigation. Our team can also save you time and effort by clarifying your reporting obligations and helping you submit to the appropriate agency within the deadline.

If your complaint escalates to litigation, we are committed to seeking fast and strategic case resolutions. Through aggressive negotiation and thorough trial preparation, our attorneys have resolved many employment law disputes in six to nine months, rather than the multi-year timelines some cases could otherwise require.

We also work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t have to pay until we resolve your case. Contact us today to schedule your first consultation and get started on your claim.

Contact a Minneapolis Lawyer About Making a Discrimination Report

You do not need to know how to resolve your employment dispute. You only need to reach out to someone who can help. In Minneapolis and surrounding areas, Wanta Thome is a trusted resource for workers in employment law matters.

Contact us today to request a free initial consultation with one of our skilled and caring attorneys. You can get answers to your questions about reporting discrimination in Minneapolis while your documentation remains accessible and your legal options remain open.