Frequently Asked Questions
1. How can the Anchorage Equal Rights Commission assist you?
If you believe you have experienced discrimination, you may contact the Commission staff and they will advise you regarding your rights under Title 5 of the Municipal Code.
In appropriate cases, the staff will prepare a complaint of discrimination for your signature and will impartially investigate your allegations. The staff will make referrals to other organizations that may be able to assist you. The staff will also provide information about your obligations under Title 5 of the Municipal Code.
2. Who is protected by Title 5?
All Anchorage citizens, residents and visitors are protected from discrimination based on the following protected classes:
- Race
- Color
- Religion
- National Origin
- Sex
- Pregnancy
- Physical or Mental Disability
- Age
- Marital Status
- Parenthood
- Retaliation
- Familial Status (children under the age of 18 who are living with a parent or legal guardian are protected in certain housing cases)
3. Who may file a complaint?
Any person who believes that he or she has been subjected to unlawful discrimination covered under Title 5 may file a charge with the Commission.
4. When should a complaint be filed?
A complaint should be filed with the Anchorage Equal Rights Commission as soon as possible after the act of discrimination occurs. A complaint must be filed within 180 days of the last alleged discriminatory act
5. How do I file a complaint?
A complaint may be started by calling or visiting the Commission's office or completing an Intake Questionnaire on-line. An Investigator will assist you with drafting a complaint.
6. Where do I file a complaint?
A complaint must be notarized and filed at the office of the Anchorage Equal Rights Commission, 632 W. Sixth Ave. (City Hall), Suite 110; Anchorage, Alaska 99501.
7. What happens after I file my complaint with the Anchorage Equal Rights Commission?
When the staff receives your signed complaint of discrimintation, and the respondent is provided with a copy of your complaint along with a Request for Essential Information. The respondent has about one month to respond to your allegations. Extensions of time may be allowed at the discretion of the staff.
8. How will the investigation be conducted?
In most cases, the Investigator will hold a Fact Finding Conference. You will be notified in writing if the Fact Finding Conference is waived.
9. May I have an attorney represent me?
Yes. Either party may be represented by an attorney. If you do have an attorney, he or she should notify the staff that the attorney will be representing you. Once staff has information that you are represented by an attorney, all future materials involving the investigation of your case will be directed to your attorney.
10. What happens at the Fact Finding Conference?
A Fact Finding Conference is a meeting with the Investigator and the parties (respondent and complainant). It is a time to discuss facts of the case and explore the possibility of settlement. If there is anyone you feel should attend, please write or call the Investigator before the Conference.
The conference is an informal hearing. If you or the respondent have questions that you would like answered, you can ask the Investigator to ask those questions. The Fact Finding Conference is not open to the public.