1. City of Madison
  2. Civil Rights
  3. Find Help

Find Help

If you believe you have been discriminated against you may be able to file a complaint with the Equal Opportunities Division (210 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., Room 523, Madison).

If you have witnessed discrimination - Report it here: Report Discrimination

Need help filing a complaint? You may Find a Certified Community Partner near you.

File a Discrimination Complaint

  1. Determine Eligibility

    It is important to know if you are able to file a complaint of discrimination with the EOC. If you believe you have been discriminated against you may be able to file a complaint with the Equal Opportunities Division (210 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., Room 523, Madison). The complaint must meet certain requirements:

    • Housing complaints must have occurred within one year. All other complaints must have occurred within 300 days.
    • The housing, business or individual you wish to file your complaint against must be located within the Madison City limits.
    • Your complaint must state a prima facie case of discrimination (a legal standard established by law). It is recommended that you call for an appointment (608) 266-4910, or you may call to have a complaint form mailed to you.

  2. Document Events

    Documentation is Key. Keep a written record of any actions and comments that may help show that you were discriminated against.

    Write down time and date of conversations you may have had. Also, document the names of any witnesses, notices you feel were discriminatory, as well as, the response you received. Keep your own personal records, separate from the business, organization, or person that you are filing a claim against.

  3. Get Witness Statements

    In addition to documenting important events and comments, it helps your case if you find people who witnessed the discrimination you experienced. The EOC does not call these witnesses. It is your responsibility to get a written statement from them.

  4. Complete Form

    Make certain to complete the entire form. Be clear and give as many details as possible. For example, if you think that you were discriminated against because of your race, it is important to write what your race is (Black, White, Hispanic, etc.). Then write exactly what happened to show how you were treated differently because of your race. To file a Complaint, download forms: MS Word / PDF - (Sample Form)

  5. Submit Form

    Read and review your complaint form to make sure you have answered all the questions on the form and your contact information is correct and up-to-date.

    Submit the complaint form by email, mail or in person.

    Email

    dcr@cityofmadison.com

    Mail or In Person
    Civil Rights Office
    City County Building
    210 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Room 523
    Madison, WI 53703

    Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm