Public Civil Rights

The Public Civil Rights Program ensures all federally conducted and federally financially assisted Indian Affairs programs, activities, and services operate under equal opportunity laws and policies. All eligible persons are entitled to receive benefits or participate in services without discrimination. For more information, please refer to the DOI’s Civil Rights Directive 2011-01.

How to File a Public Civil Rights Complaint

You must file a written complaint with the Public Civil Rights Coordinator within 180 calendar days of the date of the alleged discrimination. It should include the following information: 

• Your name, mailing address, telephone number, and email address
• The name and address of the official(s) or public entity you are accusing of discrimination
• The nature of your complaint and the basis for it (e.g. race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, and/or disability)
• The date the alleged discrimination occurred
• Ensure the complaint is signed and includes a date of signature

Once signed, the complaint should be filed with Indian Affairs Public Civil Rights Coordinator/Liaison. The Coordinator will acknowledge receipt of the complaint and begin the process.

Submit Public Civil Rights Complaints to: