Complainant Rights and Responsibilities
The Youngstown Human Relations Commission accepts complaints of discrimination within the City on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, sexual orientation, age, marital status, or ancestry of birth in the areas of Fair Employment and Fair Housing.
Complaints may be filed within 180 days of the date on which the discriminatory act occurred. The Commission will then determine if the complaint falls within its jurisdiction.
File a Complaint
Fill out and submit a complaint form (see below) or call or visit the Human Relations Commission office:
The Commission staff will assist you in preparing the necessary documentation. Be sure to include all pertinent details and answer all questions fully. Supporting documents, such as employee handbooks and official policies, are helpful. Also, be sure to include contact information for any witnesses.
The Investigation
The Commission will seek a response from the Respondent (i.e. the person(s) named in the complaint as responsible for the offense), witnesses will be interviewed, and documents will be collected. The Commission may also contact you for clarification on certain items of your complaint, if new information is gathered. Notify the Commission if you receive or remember more information about your complaint.
Respondent Rights and Responsibilities
The Respondent will have the opportunity to ask questions, provide information, and offer witnesses. The Commission makes every attempt to protect a Respondent from unfounded discrimination charges.
During the investigation, the Commission may request access to relevant premises, records, and documents, and it has the right to examine, copy, and photograph evidence.
The Commission reserves the right to refer complaints to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the Ohio Civil Rights Commission (OCRC).
A Respondent cannot act in any adverse way against a Complainant, against a witness for the Complainant, or resist or interfere with the Human Relations Commission staff in the lawful performance of their duty.
Potential Outcomes
The Commission has the authority to decide whether or not the complaint is justified. The Commission may determine there is:
- No Probable Cause and dismiss the complaint.
- Probable Cause and begin a conciliation process. If no satisfactory, voluntary settlement is arrived at, a formal hearing is convened, where evidence is filed and sworn testimony is heard. The finding of the hearing will be either that No Discrimination Occurred and the complaint will be dismissed, or that Discrimination Occurred and a request will be issued to the Respondent to end the discriminatory practice.
