1. Resources for the Madison Community

    Madison stands with the families of Abundant Life community. This page is dedicated to connecting victims and the broader community to resources and accurate information about the tragic events that happened on December 16.

Group of Black people walking in a parade. Two people are holding a banner for the Madison, Wisconsin African Women's Association.
Civil Rights

Case Processing

After Filing a Complaint

Your Responsibilities

  1. It is your responsibility throughout the complaint process to make sure that your case file is kept up-to-date and that your information is correct.
  2. To review your case  please submit a records request identifying your desired documents to dcr@cityofmadison.com

During the processing of your case, you will be the Complainant, and the company or organization you are accusing of discrimination will be the Respondent. Throughout the complaint process, you may refer to this guide to walk you through what you need to do at each step of your case processing.

  1. Intake: We review all complaints within 10 days of when we get them to make sure there is enough information to move forward. If your complaint does not have enough information, we will return it and let you know what information we need. You can submit a new complaint with the information requested. 
  2. Early Mediation of Complaints: Mediation is a voluntary alternative to going through the investigative process. You may try to reach a settlement with the Respondent without going through the time and effort of the investigation.
  3. Supporting Your Case: Learn how to collect evidence for your case during the initial investigation.
  4. The Initial Determination & Appeals: The Investigator will make an initial determination as to whether they believe discrimination may have occurred. You may appeal the Investigator's ruling if you disagree with their decision. If they believe there is probable cause, your case will go to Conciliation.
  5. Conciliation: Conciliation is a voluntary process where you can negotiate a settlement with the Respondent for compensation. If you cannot reach a settlement, your case will go to a Hearing on the Merits.
  6. Hearing on the Merits: During the Hearing on the Merits, you and the Respondent will present evidence to support your case to the Hearing Examiner.
  7. Damages: If the Hearing Examiner finds that discrimination took place, you must identify what damages you are owed, and justify them to the Hearing Examiner.
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