Intake Process

Once MCCR receives your Preliminary Questionnaire beginning the complaint filing process, our Intake Unit will:

1. Review the Inquiry

Our Intake Unit reviews your initial inquiry to make sure it meets the basic complaint criteria, known as the prima facie basis to file a complaint.

2. Determine the Jurisdiction

The Intake Unit evaluates if your complaint falls under MCCR’s jurisdiction. Some of the criteria that the Intake Unit will evaluate includes, but is not limited to:

• The complaint alleges that the discriminatory act occurred in Maryland.
• The complaint identifies a protected class or issue that is defined within MCCR's law.
• The complaint is being timely filed.
• The complaint has not already been filed with MCCR, or a federal or local partner government agency.

If MCCR determines that we do not have jurisdiction to take the complaint, then MCCR will abort the complaint. Where possible, MCCR may provide you with referral information about where you can go for assistance.

3. Conduct an Intake Interview

Our Intake Unit will contact you to schedule an interview either by phone, virtually, or in-person. The interview will be with one of our trained Intake Officers. The interview allows the team to gather further details needed to help you complete the complaint filing process. If MCCR determines that we cannot move forward with the complaint, then MCCR will abort the complaint. Where possible, MCCR may provide you with referral information about where you can go for assistance.

4. Draft a Charge of Discrimination

If the Intake Unit determines that:

1. evidence shows there is reason to believe your rights have been violated,
2. the complaint is filed within the required time frame, and
3. the complaint falls under MCCR’s jurisdiction,

then they will draft a Charge of Discrimination.

5. Complete the Intake Process

You must complete the interview, and sign and return any and all necessary documents including the Charge of Discrimination to the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights before the complaint is officially filed. Only officially filed complaints are placed in MCCR's queue for assignment to investigation by a Civil Rights Officer.

For individuals who require additional assistance, please contact MCCR at 410-767-8600 or [email protected].

Next Steps

• The signed Charge of Discrimination is issued to the party (Respondent) charged with discrimination. A charge does not constitute a finding that the Respondent engaged in discrimination.
• The Respondent will be asked to submit a position statement responding to the allegations and raising factual or legal defenses to the charge.
• MCCR assigns the case to a Civil Rights Officer for investigation. The Civil Rights Officer uses various impartial methods to gather information determine if a violation of Maryland's anti-discrimination laws occurred, and facilitate the case’s resolution.

Learn about the investigation process.