South Dakota Civil Rights

Overview

The Division of Human Rights promotes equal opportunity by administering the South Dakota Human Relations Act of 1972. It does this in several different ways:

• The Division investigates formal complaints filed by people who believe they have been discriminated against. If it finds a complaint is justified, the Division will attempt to settle the complaint by conference and conciliation, and to permanently correct any discriminatory practices.
• The Human Rights Commission holds public hearings on justified complaints when voluntary settlement is not successful. When the Commission finds a violation of the law as a result of the hearing, it issues final orders to correct any discriminatory practices and to prevent them happening again.
• The Division offers technical assistance to employers, labor unions, real estate agents, landlords and any others interested in affirmative action and voluntary compliance with South Dakota law.
• The Division provides public information and works with individuals, civil rights groups, and civic and professional organizations to promote equal opportunity for all South Dakotans.