Respondent/Complaint Information

Chapter 12, Article II of Columbia’s City Code prohibits discrimination in housing, employment, and places of public accommodation on the basis of  race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, handicap, sexual orientation, and marital status; for housing only, familial status; and for employment only, age.

The Commission’s role during an investigation of any complaints received is that of a neutral fact-finder. In the investigation, the Commission does not represent either party to the complaint. The Commission attempts to gather evidence to determine whether or not the ordinance has been violated. You are encouraged to cooperate with the investigation.  Please review the Commission's procedures for filing and investigating complaints of discrimination.

If probable cause is found, both parties will be encouraged to resolve the complaint through conference, conciliation or mediation.  If resolution through these means is not successful, the complaint may be filed with the City Prosecutor for prosecution or with the Missouri Commission on Human Rights.

If no probable cause is found, the file is closed.  The complainant has no authority to appeal a decision of the Columbia Human Rights Commission.

Retaliation is prohibited. It is a violation of the Columbia Human Rights Ordinance to retaliate or discriminate in any manner against any person for filing a complaint or testifying, assisting, or participating in any manner in an investigation.

False complaint:  It is a violation of the Columbia ordinance to knowingly make a false complaint.

Representation by an attorney is not necessary while the Commission investigates the complaint filed against your organization. If you would prefer, you can seek an attorney’s consultation at your own expense. If you are represented by an attorney, we ask you to tell the City Counselor’s Office the attorney’s name, address, and telephone number. Also, have your attorney write the City Counselor’s Office confirming that s/he is representing you.

Complaints must be made within 180 days of the alleged act of discrimination.  A complaint form can be printed from the commission's web site.

Failure to inform the Commission of changes to your address and phone number could result in your case being dropped or delayed.

Other alternatives include various other state and federal organizations such as the State of Missouri Commission on Human Rights or the Federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development. Depending on the type of discrimination alleged, you may want to submit your complaint to these other agencies. Filing a complaint with either the Columbia Human Rights Commission or the Missouri Commission on Human Rights must take place within 180 days of the last act of alleged discrimination.