Minnesota Department of Human Rights (MDHR) Charge of Discrimination

CHARGE OF DISCRIMINATION — MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RIGHTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Filing Heading
2. Charging Party Information
3. Respondent Information
4. Cause(s) of Discrimination — Protected Class(es)
5. Statutory Basis
6. Date(s) of Discrimination and Timeliness
7. Particulars of Discrimination
8. Reprisal Allegations
9. Reasonable Accommodation Allegations (if applicable)
10. Damages and Relief Sought
11. EEOC Cross-Filing / Dual-Filing Election
12. Verification
13. Authorization for Representation
14. Submission Checklist
15. Practice Notes
16. Sources and References

1. FILING HEADING

MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RIGHTS

540 Fairview Avenue North, Suite 201

Saint Paul, MN 55104

Telephone: (651) 539-1100 / Toll-Free: 1-800-657-3704

Email: [email protected]

2. CHARGING PARTY INFORMATION

3. RESPONDENT INFORMATION

3.1. Primary Respondent

3.2. Individual Respondent (Aider/Abettor under § 363A.14)

4. CAUSE(S) OF DISCRIMINATION — PROTECTED CLASS(ES)

I believe I was discriminated against because of my (check all that apply):

• ☐ Race (specify: [________])
• ☐ Color
• ☐ Creed
• ☐ Religion (specify: [________])
• ☐ National Origin / Ancestry (specify: [________])
• ☐ Sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, related conditions)
• ☐ Gender Identity / Gender Expression
• ☐ Sexual Orientation
• ☐ Marital Status
• ☐ Status with Regard to Public Assistance
• ☐ Disability (mental / physical / perceived) (specify: [________])
• ☐ Age (40 and over for employment)
• ☐ Familial Status (housing)
• ☐ Local Human Rights Commission Activity
• ☐ Reprisal / Retaliation for opposing discrimination or participating in a proceeding
• ☐ Other (specify): [________]

5. STATUTORY BASIS

This Charge is filed under the Minnesota Human Rights Act, Minn. Stat. ch. 363A, and the following specific provision(s):

• ☐ Minn. Stat. § 363A.08 — Unfair employment practices
• ☐ Minn. Stat. § 363A.09 — Unfair housing practices
• ☐ Minn. Stat. § 363A.10 — Real property — financial assistance
• ☐ Minn. Stat. § 363A.11 — Public accommodations
• ☐ Minn. Stat. § 363A.12 — Public services
• ☐ Minn. Stat. § 363A.13 — Educational institutions
• ☐ Minn. Stat. § 363A.14 — Aiding and abetting (individual liability)
• ☐ Minn. Stat. § 363A.15 — Reprisal
• ☐ Minn. Stat. § 363A.16 — Credit
• ☐ Minn. Stat. § 363A.17 — Business

Charging Party also requests cross-filing under the following federal statute(s) (see Section 11):

• ☐ Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. § 2000e et seq.)
• ☐ Americans with Disabilities Act (42 U.S.C. § 12101 et seq.)
• ☐ Age Discrimination in Employment Act (29 U.S.C. § 621 et seq.)
• ☐ Equal Pay Act (29 U.S.C. § 206(d))
• ☐ Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (42 U.S.C. § 2000ff)
• ☐ Pregnancy Discrimination Act / Pregnant Workers Fairness Act
• ☐ Fair Housing Act (42 U.S.C. § 3601 et seq.)

6. DATE(S) OF DISCRIMINATION AND TIMELINESS

This Charge is timely filed within ONE YEAR of the most recent occurrence of the unlawful practice, as required by Minn. Stat. § 363A.28 subd. 3.

If applicable, the limitations period was suspended during the following voluntary dispute resolution proceeding(s) (Minn. Stat. § 363A.28 subd. 3):

7. PARTICULARS OF DISCRIMINATION

7.1. I, [CHARGING PARTY NAME], was [hired / engaged / admitted / accepted as a tenant / served as a customer] by [RESPONDENT] on or about [DATE] as [POSITION / RELATIONSHIP].

7.2. Throughout my [employment / tenancy / patronage / enrollment], I performed my obligations satisfactorily and met the legitimate expectations of [RESPONDENT], as evidenced by [PERFORMANCE EVIDENCE].

7.3. I am a member of the protected class(es) checked in Section 4 above. [RESPONDENT] and its decisionmakers were aware of my protected status because [BASIS OF KNOWLEDGE].

7.4. Beginning on or about [DATE], [RESPONDENT] subjected me to the following adverse and discriminatory actions because of my protected status:

(a) On [DATE], [DECISIONMAKER NAME] [ACTION 1 — e.g., made the following discriminatory remark, denied a promotion, terminated me, refused to rent to me, denied me service, denied a reasonable accommodation]. [FACTUAL DETAIL].

(b) On [DATE], [ACTION 2]. [FACTUAL DETAIL].

(c) On [DATE], [ACTION 3]. [FACTUAL DETAIL].

7.5. Similarly situated individuals outside my protected class(es) were treated more favorably under materially identical circumstances. By way of example, [COMPARATOR FACTS — names, treatment, dates].

7.6. [RESPONDENT]'s stated reasons for the adverse actions are pretextual, as shown by [EVIDENCE OF PRETEXT — shifting reasons, deviation from policy, discriminatory remarks, statistical pattern, timing].

7.7. Witnesses with personal knowledge of the foregoing facts include:

7.8. Documentary evidence in my possession or known to me includes: [LIST OF EXHIBITS — offer letter, performance reviews, emails, termination notice, lease, denial of service notice, photos].

8. REPRISAL ALLEGATIONS

8.1. On [DATE], I engaged in protected activity by [OPPOSITION / PARTICIPATION — e.g., complaining to HR; filing an internal grievance; filing this Charge; participating in an investigation; refusing to engage in unlawful conduct].

8.2. [RESPONDENT] had actual knowledge of my protected activity because [BASIS OF KNOWLEDGE].

8.3. After learning of my protected activity, [RESPONDENT] took materially adverse action(s) against me, including [RETALIATORY ACTS], on [DATE(S)].

8.4. The temporal proximity between my protected activity and the adverse action(s), together with [OTHER CAUSAL EVIDENCE], establishes a causal connection in violation of Minn. Stat. § 363A.15.

9. REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION ALLEGATIONS (IF APPLICABLE)

9.1. I have a [disability / sincerely held religious belief] within the meaning of Minn. Stat. § 363A.08 subd. 6, namely [CONDITION / BELIEF].

9.2. On [DATE], I requested a reasonable accommodation by [METHOD — written request / oral request to supervisor / HR communication], specifically: [REQUESTED ACCOMMODATION].

9.3. The requested accommodation would have permitted me to perform the essential functions of my position [or — to enjoy equal access to the housing/service/program] without imposing undue hardship.

9.4. [RESPONDENT] [denied / failed to engage in the interactive process regarding / unreasonably delayed] the accommodation in violation of § 363A.08 subd. 6, and instead [ACTION TAKEN].

10. DAMAGES AND RELIEF SOUGHT

10.1. As a result of [RESPONDENT]'s unlawful practices, I have suffered the following damages (check all that apply):

• ☐ Lost wages (back pay): approximately $[AMOUNT]
• ☐ Lost benefits (health insurance, retirement, etc.): approximately $[AMOUNT]
• ☐ Lost future earnings (front pay): to be determined
• ☐ Out-of-pocket expenses: approximately $[AMOUNT]
• ☐ Emotional distress / mental anguish
• ☐ Humiliation and damage to reputation
• ☐ Loss of housing / displacement costs
• ☐ Denial of service / equal access
• ☐ Other: [________]

10.2. I request that the MDHR investigate this Charge and pursue all relief authorized by Minn. Stat. § 363A.29, including:

• ☐ Compensatory damages, in an amount up to three times my actual damages, pursuant to Minn. Stat. § 363A.29 subd. 4(a)(1);
• ☐ Damages for mental anguish or suffering;
• ☐ Punitive damages up to $25,000 under Minn. Stat. § 363A.29 subd. 4(a)(4) and § 549.20;
• ☐ Civil penalties payable to the State of Minnesota;
• ☐ Reinstatement, hiring, promotion, or instatement;
• ☐ Sale, lease, or rental of housing accommodation (housing claims);
• ☐ Restoration of services or admission (public accommodation / education claims);
• ☐ Affirmative training, policy reform, posting of notices, and reporting;
• ☐ Reasonable attorney's fees and costs (Minn. Stat. § 363A.33 subd. 7);
• ☐ Pre- and post-judgment interest;
• ☐ Other equitable relief the Department deems appropriate.

11. EEOC CROSS-FILING / DUAL-FILING ELECTION

11.1. Pursuant to the work-share agreement between MDHR and the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, I request that this Charge be cross-filed with the EEOC for purposes of preserving my federal rights under Title VII / ADA / ADEA / GINA / EPA.

11.2. ☐ I understand that, effective October 1, 2025, MDHR has advised that complainants seeking to fully preserve federal workplace-discrimination rights should also separately file a charge with the EEOC. I have ☐ already filed / ☐ will file a separate EEOC charge.

11.3. I understand that I may, alternatively or in addition, file a civil action under Minn. Stat. § 363A.33 in Minnesota district court.

11.4. I request issuance of a Notice of Right to Sue from MDHR (and/or the EEOC) at the conclusion of the agency proceedings, or upon my request after 45 days from filing in accordance with Minn. Stat. § 363A.33 subd. 1.

12. VERIFICATION

I, [CHARGING PARTY NAME], hereby declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of Minnesota and the United States that I have read the foregoing Charge of Discrimination, that the statements contained herein are true and correct to the best of my knowledge, information, and belief, and that this Charge is filed in good faith.

Date: [__/__/____]

[________________________________]

[CHARGING PARTY NAME]

STATE OF MINNESOTA

COUNTY OF [________________________________]

Subscribed and sworn to before me this [____] day of [_______________], 20[____].

[________________________________]

Notary Public

(My Commission Expires: [_______________])

13. AUTHORIZATION FOR REPRESENTATION

I, [CHARGING PARTY NAME], authorize [ATTORNEY NAME] of [LAW FIRM] to represent me before the Minnesota Department of Human Rights and the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in connection with this Charge, and to receive all correspondence on my behalf.

[________________________________]

[CHARGING PARTY NAME]

Counsel of Record:

[ATTORNEY NAME], Minn. Atty. Reg. No. [####]

[LAW FIRM]

[ADDRESS]

Phone: [NUMBER] | Email: [EMAIL]

14. SUBMISSION CHECKLIST

Before submission, confirm:

• ☐ Charge is filed within ONE YEAR of the latest discriminatory act (Minn. Stat. § 363A.28 subd. 3).
• ☐ All Section 4 protected-class boxes accurately reflect the basis of discrimination.
• ☐ Each respondent's legal name and address is verified (check Minnesota Secretary of State business filings).
• ☐ Particulars (Section 7) state dates, decisionmakers, comparators, and adverse actions with specificity.
• ☐ Verification (Section 12) is signed and notarized.
• ☐ Attached exhibits are legibly labeled (Exhibit A, B, C, …).
• ☐ EEOC cross-filing election (Section 11) reflects current MDHR/EEOC protocol.
• ☐ A copy of the signed Charge is retained by Charging Party and counsel.
• ☐ The MDHR Charge has been submitted via one of:
• Online form: https://mn.gov/mdhr/intake/consultationinquiryform/
• Email: [email protected]
• Mail: 540 Fairview Ave. North, Suite 201, St. Paul, MN 55104
• Phone intake: (651) 539-1100 or 1-800-657-3704
• ☐ If pursuing federal claims, a separate EEOC charge has been filed (see Section 11.2).

15. PRACTICE NOTES

• ☐ One-year MHRA limitations period. Minn. Stat. § 363A.28 subd. 3 imposes a strict one-year deadline to file an MHRA charge or civil action. This is shorter than the federal 300-day Title VII / ADA window. Calendar both deadlines.

• ☐ Limitations tolling. Time spent in voluntary mediation, arbitration, or a CBA grievance procedure tolls the one-year period under § 363A.28 subd. 3. Document the start and end of any such proceeding.

• ☐ Continuing-violation doctrine. For pattern-or-practice or hostile-environment claims, a single act within the one-year window can pull in earlier related acts under the continuing-violation theory. Sigurdson v. Isanti County, 386 N.W.2d 715 (Minn. 1986); Giuliani v. Stuart Corp., 512 N.W.2d 589 (Minn. Ct. App. 1994).

• ☐ Election of remedies. The Charging Party must elect between (a) MDHR administrative process or (b) direct civil action under § 363A.33. If proceeding administratively, after 45 days the Charging Party may notice MDHR and bring suit within 90 days (§ 363A.33 subd. 1(3)).

• ☐ Treble compensatory damages. § 363A.29 subd. 4(a)(1) authorizes the ALJ (or court) to award compensatory damages up to three times actual damages — a meaningful damages multiplier unique among state human-rights statutes.

• ☐ Punitive damages cap. MHRA punitive damages are capped at $25,000 under § 363A.29 subd. 4(a)(4) and § 549.20, requiring clear-and-convincing evidence of "deliberate disregard for the rights or safety of others." Federal claims (Title VII, § 1981, FHA) carry separate, often larger, punitive caps.

• ☐ Broad employer reach. The MHRA defines "employer" to include those with one or more employees for most provisions (§ 363A.03 subd. 16) — substantially broader than federal thresholds.

• ☐ Individual liability. Supervisors and decisionmakers can be named individually under § 363A.14 (aiding and abetting) and § 363A.15 (reprisal). Federal counterparts (e.g., Title VII) generally do not allow individual liability.

• ☐ EEOC cross-filing — October 2025 advisory. MDHR has advised complainants to also file separately with the EEOC to preserve federal rights effective October 1, 2025. Check current cross-filing protocol at https://mn.gov/mdhr/ before filing.

• ☐ Probable cause timeline. Non-priority cases: MDHR must determine probable cause within 12 months of filing (§ 363A.28 subd. 6). Reconsideration: 20 days. Use the 45-day right-to-sue notice strategically when delay prejudices the case.

• ☐ Conciliation. MDHR will typically offer conciliation (mediation) early in the process. Conciliation agreements are enforceable as MDHR orders under § 363A.29 subd. 7.

• ☐ Confidentiality. MDHR investigative files are confidential under Minn. Stat. § 363A.35 except as provided by law. Plan public-statement strategy with counsel.

• ☐ Local human-rights commissions. Cities including Minneapolis (M.C.O. ch. 139), Saint Paul (St. Paul Legis. Code ch. 183), Duluth, and others enforce parallel municipal civil-rights ordinances; some carry source-of-income protections (housing) absent under state law. Consider concurrent local filing.

16. SOURCES AND REFERENCES

• Minnesota Department of Human Rights — https://mn.gov/mdhr/
• MDHR — Report Discrimination — https://mn.gov/mdhr/intake/consultationinquiryform/
• MDHR Contact — https://mn.gov/mdhr/about/contact/
• Minn. Stat. § 363A.08 — https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/363A.08
• Minn. Stat. § 363A.09 — https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/363A.09
• Minn. Stat. § 363A.11 — https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/363A.11
• Minn. Stat. § 363A.14 — https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/363A.14
• Minn. Stat. § 363A.15 — https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/363A.15
• Minn. Stat. § 363A.28 — https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/363A.28
• Minn. Stat. § 363A.29 — https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/363A.29
• Minn. Stat. § 363A.33 — https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/363A.33
• Minn. Stat. § 549.20 — https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/549.20
• U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission — https://www.eeoc.gov/
• EEOC — How to File a Charge — https://www.eeoc.gov/how-file-charge-employment-discrimination
• Minneapolis Department of Civil Rights — https://www2.minneapolismn.gov/government/departments/civil-rights/
• Saint Paul Department of Human Rights & Equal Economic Opportunity — https://www.stpaul.gov/departments/human-rights-equal-economic-opportunity

Disclaimer: This template is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. A Minnesota-licensed attorney should review and customize this Charge before filing. MDHR procedures, EEOC cross-filing protocols, and statutory deadlines change; verify current authority at https://mn.gov/mdhr and https://www.revisor.mn.gov before filing.