The Human Rights Division of the Department of Human Rights and Equal Economic Opportunity (HREEO) is responsible for investigating complaints of discrimination that have taken place with in the City of Saint Paul. 

Saint Paul has its own human rights ordinance which empowers the Division to provide a resolution.  We are a neutral fact-finding agency that investigates complaints and, using applicable law, makes a probable cause determination on whether discrimination has occurred. 

The Human Rights Division aims to process complaints within 180 days; a much quicker resolution than complaints filed at a state or federal level.  In addition to investigating complaints, the division is also available to give educational presentations to the community.

Our department is an Investigative Unit:

• The Investigative Unit investigates complaints of discrimination within the boundaries of the City of Saint Paul.
  • Learn more about Your Civil Rights in Saint Paul
  • If you want to inquire about filing a charge of discrimination, please contact us at the by phone or e-mail.

Amendments to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) signed into law on September 25, 2008, clarify and reiterate who is covered by the law’s civil rights protections. The “ADA Amendments Act of 2008” revises the definition of “disability” to more broadly encompass impairments that substantially limit a major life activity. 

The amended language also states that mitigating measures, including assistive devices, auxiliary aids, accommodations, medical therapies and supplies (other then eyeglasses and contact lenses) have no bearing in determining whether a disability qualifies under the law. Changes also clarify coverage of impairments that are episodic or in remission that substantially limit a major life activity when active, such as epilepsy or post traumatic stress disorder. The amendments took effect January 1, 2009.

Contact the ADA Coordinator

Alyssa Wetzel-Moore, 651-266-8965

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is responsible for enforcing federal laws that make it illegal to discriminate against a job applicant or an employee because of the person's race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information. The EEOC may refer complaints to the City of Saint Paul, initially filed with them.