Human Relations Commission	+ Larger Font + Smaller Font
Rio Cervantes-Reed, Director 620 SE Madison - Map Topeka, KS 66607 785-368-3607 Tel 785-368-3609 FAX rcervantesreed@topeka.org	Human Relations Commission Contacts
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FILING A COMPLAINT and INVESTIGATIONS
The Human Relations Commission (HRC) is Topeka’s civil rights enforcement agency; Chapters 82 and 86 of the City’s Code of Ordinances authorizes the HRC to receive, investigate, decide and attempt to conciliate complaints alleging discrimination or segregation. HRC investigates allegations concerned with unfair practices related to 1) Employment, 2) Fair Housing and 3) Public Accommodations, within our city limits. The responsibility of HRC’s Investigators is to gather all the facts in an objective, impartial and confidential manner while ensuring fair, reasonable and equal treatment for all parties involved.

Mediation
The HRC has staff members that are Kansas Supreme Court Approved in the areas of Core and Civil Mediation, and have received specialized training in mediation techniques concerned with disputes centered on Core or Civil matters. Our staff is committed to assisting individuals, agencies, businesses, and organizations reach solutions that resolve any disputes dealing with Employment, Public Accommodations or Fair Housing utilizing a fair, open, informed and confidential process. During mediation, HRC assists both sides in exchanging information designed to find solutions that will be considered fair, equitable and mutually beneficial for all parties involved. Participants typically report a high rate of satisfaction for the agreements reached during our mediations process because all disputing parties involved participate in the development of the settlement agreement. If no agreement is reached, the mediator will not impose a decision on either party; and one’s rights to file a formal complaint, or to litigation remain intact.


HRC investigates complaints from persons alleging they have been discriminated against in employment or public accommodations based on:
Race, Color, National Origin or Ancestry, Religion, Sex, Disability, Age

In Fair Housing complaints your allegations may be based on your Familial Status. Familial Status includes experiencing a discriminatory act because of children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians; pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18.

Employment
It is the City of Topeka’s policy to assure equal opportunity and encouragement for every person to secure and hold, without discrimination, employment in any field of work or labor for which the person is properly qualified. Any person employed within the city limits of Topeka, who is claiming to be aggrieved by an alleged unlawful act or practice or an attorney at law representing such a person may make, sign and file with HRC, at the commission's official office, a written verified complaint by personal delivery, mail or fax; or use our Online Intake Form.

Public Accommodations
The City of Topeka assures an equal opportunity for all persons within the city to full and equal public accommodations and the full and equal use and enjoyment of the services, facilities, privileges and advantages of all governmental departments or agencies. A person may make, sign and file with HRC, at the commission's official office, a written verified complaint by personal delivery, mail or fax; or use our Online Intake Form.

Employment and Public Accommodations Filing Deadline
Employment or Public Accommodation Complaints must be filed within 180 calendar days or six months after the date of the last alleged unlawful act or practice happened.

Fair Housing
The actions prohibited by the Fair Housing Act are related to the sale, rental and financing of dwellings and other housing-related transactions. A person may make, sign and file a complaint concerning Fair Housing, with HRC, at the commission's official office, a written verified complaint by personal delivery, mail or fax; or use our Online Intake Form.

For More Information about the Fair Housing Act
Fair Housing Facts

Fair Housing Filing Deadline
Fair Housing Complaints must be filed within 365 calendar days or twelve months after the date that the last alleged unlawful act or practice happened.

If you have additional questions about your rights or responsibilities concerning Employment, Public Accommodations or the Fair Housing Act Regulations, contact the Human Relations Commission at 785-368-3606.