The Michigan Department of Civil Rights was established in 1965 to provide a staff complement to the policy making responsibilities of the Commission. In 1991, the Michigan Women's Commission was transferred from the Department of Management and Budget to this agency by Executive Order.

The Department of Civil Rights works to prevent discrimination through educational programs that promote voluntary compliance with civil rights laws and investigates and resolves discrimination complaints. It also provides information and services to businesses on diversity initiatives, and equal employment law.

A complaint may be filed at any of the Department's offices if the alleged discrimination occurred within the past 180 days.