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Human Rights
Mission Statement
Our mission is to build a community where every individual feels respected, included, and treated with fairness. Through education, civic engagement, and community partnerships, we uphold civil rights laws and promote belonging and shared humanity within our organization, within the community, and across City services.
Civil Rights guarantees equal opportunity and protection for all persons as protected by the U.S. constitution and statutes such as the Civil rights Act of 1964, the Iowa Civil Rights Act, and the Dubuque Ordinance. The Dubuque Office of Human Rights enforces the Dubuque Civil Rights Ordinance which prohibits discrimination against persons based on their age, creed, marital status, race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, or family status in the areas of employment, education, public accommodations, credit and housing.
If you feel you have been unlawfully discriminated against within the City of Dubuque contact the Dubuque Office of Human Rights to learn about your rights and steps to file a discrimination complaint. If you feel you have been discriminated against outside of the City of Dubuque, contact the Iowa Office of Civil Rights (IOCR).
Our services are neutral and completely free of charge.
Discrimination Complaints
In order for the Office of Human Rights to take legal action, the treatment that occurred must have occurred because of a person's race, color, religion, creed, national origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or family status (in housing), or marital status (in credit). It also is illegal to retaliate against someone who takes action to protect these rights.
If you have questions or need assistance in filing a complaint, contact us at:
Phone: 563-589-4190
TTY/TRS: 711 or 800-735-2942 (Relay Iowa)
humanrgt@cityofdubuque.org
Ruby Sutton Building, 1157 Central Ave., Dubuque, IA 52001
Additional Legal Information
The Dubuque Human Rights Ordinance:
- Prohibits discrimination in housing, employment, public accommodation, education, or credit.
- Prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, creed, sex, disability, sexual orientation, national origin, age, family status (in housing only) or marital status (in credit only).
- Requires that a complaint must be filed within 300 days of the most recent alleged discriminatory action.
- Requires that the discrimination occurred within the city limits of Dubuque.
- Permits any person who believes that they have been discriminated against in violation of the ordinance to file a complaint that is within our jurisdiction with the Dubuque Office of Human Rights.
Ordinance & Rules
How You Can Be Involved
Each of us has a role to play in developing and working toward these solutions, and we invite you to contribute to these efforts through both learning and actions. Here are some ways you can get involved through our department:
- Join the Human Rights Commission
- Volunteer with community partners to develop new skills and contribute to community efforts to meet basic needs.
- Learn about the different types of cultural holidays celebrated by our community members.
We encourage the public to contact our office. Ask us questions. Let us know your concerns. Share your ideas. Get involved. It will take all of us working together in order for our community to continually become safe, more civil, and more inclusive as we face growth and change.
Contact Us
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Jason Lehman | email
Interim Human Rights Director
Phone: 563-589-4190
TTY/TRS: 711 or 800-735-2942 (Relay Iowa)
Fax: 563-690-6691Ruby Sutton Building
1157 Central Ave., Dubuque, IA 52001Hours
Monday - Friday: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.