Last Edited: January 27, 2026
Yes. You have 365 days, or one year, from the date the discrimination occurred to file a charge.
No. HREEO is a neutral, fact-finding agency and does not represent either party in the investigation.
No, HREEO is a neutral agency and we cannot provide legal advice to either party. If you require legal advice, please contact an attorney.
No. You have the option to hire an attorney to represent you, but it is not required.
No. There is no fee for filing a charge of discrimination with HREEO.
No, you can only file a charge of discrimination with one agency.
No, in order for someone alleging discrimination to file a charge with HREEO, they must have their name listed on the charge.
No, not during the intake process. The Respondent is only notified when you sign a charge that is then filed and accepted for investigation.
Yes. The ordinance protects all people who live, work, learn, or play in Saint Paul regardless of immigration status. HREEO does not inquire about immigration status. While immigration status is not a protected class, discrimination based on national origin is.
No. Everyone who lives, works, learns, or plays in Saint Paul is equally protected under the Saint Paul Human Rights Ordinance. Everyone falls into a protected class and discrimination against anyone based on their protected class(es) is unlawful.
Contact HREEO- see options below!
Submit an online complaint:
http://www.stpaul.gov/humanrights
Call 651-266-8966
No, once you submit a complaint, or what we call an ‘inquiry,’ an intake interview must be conducted to determine if a charge of discrimination can be filed on your behalf. HREEO can only begin an investigation when there is a charge of discrimination drafted by a HREEO investigator, signed by you, and filed in our office.
No. Filing a charge simply starts the investigation. HREEO cannot determine whether the Saint Paul Human Rights Ordinance was violated until the completion of an investigation into the allegations.
No. Filing a charge with HREEO starts an administrative investigation with a civil enforcement agency. Filing a charge with HREEO is not the same as starting a lawsuit against a Respondent.
The investigation's length depends on the case's complexity, available evidence, and response time from involved parties. Each case is different. HREEO works to resolve cases as promptly as possible. Contact HREEO if you have a question about the status of your investigation.
HREEO makes a determination of probable cause or no probable cause.
You must be responsive to the assigned investigator and keep your contact information current. We will reach out by email, phone, or mail during the investigation to schedule interviews, request witness information, and/or documentation.
HREEO cannot prevent retaliation, but if you believe you experienced retaliation within the past year, contact HREEO. HREEO may be able to investigate and determine whether your rights were violated under the Saint Paul Human Rights ordinance.
If someone takes action against you because you contacted a civil rights agency, made a complaint about illegal discrimination against them, or because you associated with someone of a different protected class or someone who has made a complaint of discrimination, you should contact HREEO to determine if a reprisal claim can be filed with our division.
This means someone filed a charge with HREEO, alleging that you or your business violated the Saint Paul Human Rights Ordinance. Please read the documents carefully for next steps, including any obligations you need to fulfill.
You may explain your side of the situation in your written position statement, which is your opportunity to respond to the allegations.
Please contact the assigned investigator directly. If you do not know who that is:
Call 651-266-8966
No, you have the option to hire an attorney to represent you, but it is not required.
If a Respondent chooses not to participate in the investigation, HREEO will proceed with the investigation using only the information provided by the Complainant, which will affect the outcome. By participating in the investigation, a Respondent can ensure that their evidence and information are considered in the determination.
No. HREEO is a neutral, fact-finding agency and does not represent either party during the investigation.
You can contact the assigned investigator as listed in the introduction letter. If you’re unsure who to contact:
Call 651-266-8966
Yes. This is called a Pre-Determination Settlement Agreement (PDSA). If both parties are interested, contact the assigned investigator. Otherwise, contact HREEO at:
Call 651-266-8966
St. Paul City Hall
Department of Human Rights and Equal Economic Opportunity (HREEO)
15 W Kellogg Blvd.
Office 280
Saint Paul, MN 55102
Phone: 651-266-8966
Email: hrightscomplaints@ci.stpaul.mn.us
HREEO’s office is open Monday–Friday, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm. Walk-in visits are not available at this time. In-person meetings are available by appointment only.
Please call or email us (using the information above) to schedule—we look forward to assisting you!
Reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act and assistance, including language assistance, are available upon request.