Mission Statement

The West Des Moines Human Rights Commission influences and advocates for community and government systems to ensure an inclusive, equitable and thriving community.

On December 14, 1998, the West Des Moines City Council passed the Human Rights Ordinance, protecting
citizens from discrimination on the basis of age, color, creed, disability, gender identify, national origin, race, religion, sex and sexual orientation.
 
Discrimination complaints for Des Moines and West Des Moines are handled by one agency due to the proximity and size of the two cities. If you believe you have been discriminated against in the areas of credit, education, employment, housing or public accommodations because of your age, color, creed, disability, gender identity, national origin, race, religion, sex or sexual orientation, please reach out to the Iowa Civil Rights Commission to file a formal complaint.
 
Iowa Civil Rights Commission
Grimes State Office Building
400 E. 14th Street
Des Moines, IA 50319-0201
 
Phone: 515-281-4121 or 800-457-4416
Fax: 515-242-5840

 

Important information to consider before filing a complaint:

  • The ICRC receives, investigates and resolves individual complaints alleging discrimination in violation of Iowa's anti-discrimination law, the "Iowa Civil Rights Act of 1965 as amended."
  • The Iowa Civil Rights Act prohibits discrimination in 5 areas (credit, education, employment, housing or public accommodations)
  • The Iowa Civil Rights Act prohibits "discriminatory practices."
  • Any person who believes they have been discriminated against in violation of the Iowa Civil Rights Act may file with the ICRC.
  • The complaint must be filed within 300 days of the alleged discriminatory practice.
  • Filing is the first step in the complaint process.
  • The ICRC is a neutral, objective law enforcement agency.
  • Assistance is available to either party upon request. Please contact the ICRC for help in obtaining forms, filling out complaint forms or if you have questions about questionnaires.