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Our Civil Rights at Work

Our Civil Rights at Work

Michigan Department of Civil Rights (MDCR) graphic titled “Our Civil Rights at Work: Shaping Fair Employment in Michigan,” featuring a handshake across a desk with a laptop and documents in the background.

About the Initiative 

As we approach the 50th Anniversary of the enacting of the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act and the Persons with Disabilities Civil Rights Act, the Our Civil Rights at Work initiative seeks to better understand the everyday realities of civil rights laws in employment. The initiative starts with virtual listening sessions to hear personal stories from workers/employees, job seekers, employers, and HR professionals about their experiences with discrimination or accessibility in hiring, firing, promotion, pay, and disability accommodations. That input shapes the agenda for the 2027 Civil Rights Summit, tentatively scheduled for mid-June, followed by a public reception. Both the listening sessions and the Summit will inform a policy brief to be shared with policymakers and the community. 

Upcoming Listening Sessions

Michigan's Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act and Persons with Disabilities Civil Rights Act protect people from discrimination at work. These listening sessions gather input on how these laws are working in practice, and where policy could be improved. 

Listening sessions are not a way to file a complaint.

Nothing shared in a session is treated as a discrimination complaint or starts an investigation, and facilitators can't give legal advice. To file a complaint, visit our Public Portal, or call 1-800-482-3604. Complaints must be filed within 180 days of the alleged discrimination. 

File a Complaint

What Happens Next?

The listening sessions are the first step in Our Civil Rights at Work, and educational initiative on how Michigan's civil rights law apply to employment. 

Listening Sessions

November 30 and December 17, 2026

Input on hiring, firing, promotion and pay, and accommodations. 

2027 Civil Rights Policy Summit

Date Coming Soon 

Workers / employees, employers, HR professionals, and policymakers discuss policy options, followed by a public reception. 

Policy Brief

September 30, 2027

Recommendations on civil rights laws, shared with policymakers and the public. 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Do I have to speak?

    No. You're welcome to listen, learn, and join the conversation however you're comfortable. 

  • What topics are covered?

    Discrimination and policy in hiring, firing, promotion and pay, and accommodations under ELCRA and PWDCRA. Other workplace issues are outside the scope of these sessions. 

  • Can I file a discrimination complaint at a session?

    No. Listening sessions gather general input on policy. To file a complaint, visit our Public Portal or call 1-800-482-3604 within 180 days of the alleged discrimination. 

  • What if I have an open complaint or case?

    You're welcome to attend, but please don't discuss your complaint or case during the session. 

  • Are the sessions recorded?

    Yes. Please speak in general terms and leave out names and identifying details. 

  • Do I need to know about law or policy?

    No. We'll explain the laws in plain language. 

  • Who can I contact if I have questions?

    You can reach out to the MDCR Communications Team at MDCR-Communications@michigan.gov.