File a Gender Identity Discrimination Complaint

In the City of Ames it is unlawful to discriminate in credit practices, education, employment, wages, housing, and public accommodations on the basis of gender identity.

If you think you have been discriminated against in the City of Ames and wish to file a complaint, submit a Complaint Form with the City Manager's Office. The City Manager's Office investigates complaints of discrimination on the basis of gender identity in accordance with Municipal Code (Ordinance # 4586).

There is no fee for our services.

If you would like a printable form mailed to you please reach out to Engagement Coordinator Casandra Eames at: casandra.eames@cityofames.org or call at 515.239.5219.

To submit a complaint online, please fill out the form at the link below.

Gender Identity Complaint Form

 

All Other Protected Classes

If you think you have been discriminated against on the basis of color, creed, marital status, mental disability, national origin, physical disability, race, religion, retaliation, sex, or sexual orientation please contact the Iowa Office of Civil Rights for assistance. 

Prepare to File

You have 180 days from the most recent discriminatory incident to file a complaint. When you file, please be ready to provide:

  • Up-to-date contact information
  • Alternate contact information
  • Supporting evidence
  • Names of witnesses that support your allegations


Step 1: Complaint

You must file a printed or online complaint form within 180 days of the most recent discriminatory incident. A member of the City Manager's office will contact you after reviewing the form. We can help with preparing and filing documentation of your complaint. Discrimination must have occurred within city limits. If the alleged discrimination took place outside the City of Ames, the complaint will be dismissed.

Printed forms can be mailed to the City Manager's Office, 515 Clark Ave, Ames, IA 50010. 

Once a formal complaint is reviewed and signed by the Complainant, a case file will be generated. This case file is assigned to a staff member who will manage the case throughout the investigation process. This step includes an interview with the Complainant.

 

 

Step 2: Notice

A letter is sent to the Complainant and Respondent notifying them of the alleged complaint. Respondent is given fifteen (15) days to provide a written position statement regarding the allegations provided on a questionnaire sent by the City Manager's Office. Upon receipt of a position statement, a letter will be sent to the Complainant that outlines the Respondent's position. If the Respondent does not wish to cooperate with this process, City staff may file a Municipal Code infraction. 

 

 

Step 3: Mediation

Before investigation, the Complainant and Respondent may agree to mediation. The mediation process is an opportunity for both parties to attempt to resolve their disagreement through a third-party mediator, prior to the investigation. This is a voluntary process that carries no-fault terms should a settlement be negotiated.

Successful Mediation

Upon a mediation agreement, all the parties sign a written agreement, which records the terms of the settlement and the case administratively closes.

Failed Mediation

If Complainant and Respondent are not interested in mediation, the City Manager’s office will proceed with a full investigation.

 

 

 

Step 4: Investigation

From intake through investigation, City staff is impartial and serve as neutral fact finders. City staff interviews both parties and any witnesses who may have relevant information. Once the investigation is complete, and all relevant information has been collected, City staff drafts a case summary and determines if there is probable cause or not. A finding of probable cause means that discrimination occurred.  

City staff will conduct an investigation. All investigation is dependent upon the cooperation of all parties. 

 


Step 5: Findings

Finding of Probable Cause

If, after the investigation, it is determined that probable cause exists for such a complaint, the Complainant and Respondent shall be promptly notified in writing of the finding. The Respondent shall be issued a municipal infraction of $750 for the first offense, and $1,000 for repeat offenses.

Finding of No Probable Cause

If, after the investigation, it is determined that no probable cause exists for such a complaint, City staff shall notify the Complainant and the Respondent of such determination, and the case shall be closed. 

Request for Reopening

A Complainant may apply for the reopening of a previously closed complaint if there is new evidence. An application for reopening must be in writing, alleging the ground(s), offering the new evidence, and it must be filed within thirty (30) days after the finding of no probable cause. 

The Respondent may not file for reconsideration of a probable cause decision.  

 

 

 

 

Contact Us

If you have questions or need assistance filing a complaint, our staff are here to serve you Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

After submitting a complaint form, staff from the City Manager's office will reach out. 

 

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