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The Michigan Department of Civil Rights investigates complaints of discrimination in Michigan, and works to prevent discrimination through education and outreach. MDCR enforces the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act and the Persons With Disabilities Civil Rights Act.

Executive Director: John E. Johnson, Jr.

Public Affairs and Administrative Services includes financial management, budget development and administration, procurement, telecommunications and oversight of automated systems; Communications; Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Compliance, Community Engagement and Management and Budget Services and Education Division.

Deputy Director: Kim Woolridge

MDCR is an administrative agency with investigative and enforcement authority. The Operations Division houses the Enforcement process, which includes intake, investigation and resolution of complaints of discrimination.

Interim Operations Director: Marlene Cain

The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion division develops educational training session and resources designed to increase awareness of implicit bias and its impact in the work we do and the people we serve, including creating tools and resources to help guide and sustain equitable access and providing educational opportunities where organizations can establish a common language, framework, and the steps required to strategically operationalize equity.

The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion division also engages in the work of establishing internal and external initiatives centered on increasing cultural competency. This division collaborates with multiple sectors of the state, is a part of the Governor's COVID-19 Task Force on Racial Equity and works closely with Equity and Inclusion Officers across the state to establish consistent approaches across state agencies. It also houses the Michigan Indian Tuition Waiver program, which waives tuition costs for eligible Native Americans attending Michigan's public colleges and universities.

The Division on Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing concentrates on serving Michigan residents who are Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing. From the Not Without Us survey, approximately 7.4% of Michigan residents identify as deaf, deafblind and hard of hearing. The Division's mission is to affirm the indisputable right of Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing Persons to secure effective communication. The Division receives input and guidance from a thirteen-member Advisory Council appointed by the Governor. The Division engages with state government agencies, relevant entities and community stakeholders in educational awareness and addressing the needs and concerns of individuals who are deaf, deafblind and hard of hearing. Various services include information and technical assistance to entities required to provide interpreters or other communication-related accommodations, training and workshops, and enhancing awareness about opportunities to create equitable opportunities and policies for effective communication access. 

This office provides legal guidance and strategy on issues and cases as they progress through the enforcement process. They also analyze pending legislation impacting civil rights in Michigan, write amicus briefs and draft charges, litigate cases in the administrative hearing process, and educate and train MDCR staff on relevant civil rights legal matters. The reconsideration (appeals) process is also housed in Law and Policy.