Discrimination Complaint Process
Persons who believe that they may have been unlawfully discriminated
against in employment, financing, public accommodation, or housing,
may file a formal complaint of discrimination against the person
or organization if that person or organization resides within the
corporate limits of the Town of Normal. Discrimination complaint
packets may be obtained by calling, writing, visiting, or
e-mailing
the Town of Normal Human Resources Department.
We strongly advise everyone to carefully read and consider all information
provided to you. Filing a formal discrimination complaint is a very
serious matter that must not be taken lightly. Everyone needs to
understand the discrimination complaint process and possible consequences
of their actions during this process.
NOTE: Discrimination complaint forms must be signed in front
of a NOTARY PUBLIC and notarized accordingly before being returned
to the Human Resources Department.
Staff will notify the respondent of the complaint. The respondent
will receive a copy of the complaint and the Town's Human Relations
Codes.
Staff will schedule a "CONCILIATION MEETING" with both parties. This meeting will attempt to bring the parties together to discuss the discrimination complaint and facilitate a settlement agreement between the parties.
NOTE: Both parties to a complaint are strongly encouraged to obtain legal counsel during the entire complaint process.
If conciliation fails to reach a settlement agreement and both parties have attempted a good faith effort, the complaint may proceed to a Public Hearing. The Commission may choose to hear the complaint directly or may appoint a Hearing Officer. A Hearing Officer will conduct an open hearing on the complaint then make findings of fact and recommendations in a report to the Commission.
Both parties are subject to limited discovery. Witnesses, or documents, are subject to subpoenas. The Commission may levy fines for failure to respond to subpoenas.
The Hearing Officer may recommend, and/or the Commission may order recommendations to resolve or alleviate the conflict or future conflicts, determine and assess actual damages reimbursable to the Complaint, or other make-whole remedies including attorney’s fees and costs, and/or recommend a fine to be imposed upon the person found to have violated this Chapter. The total of said fine shall not exceed $2,500.00 for each offense. Representation fees and costs may also be recommended or order.