MEDIATION is a process in which a neutral mediator aids the Complainants and Respondents in their settlement discussions. The Specialist attempts to have the parties negotiate a resolution of the dispute.

To reach a SETTLEMENT of complaints based on:

¨      Age

¨      Race

¨      Color

¨      Creed

¨      Sex

¨      Sexual Orientation

¨      Gender Identity

¨      National Origin

¨      Pregnancy

¨      Mental Disability

¨      Physical Disability

¨      Religion

¨      Retaliation

¨      Familial Status

¨      Marital Status

¨      After a complaint has been screened for further investigation, it is forwarded to the mediation unit;

 

¨      The complainant and respondent are sent information explaining mediation;

 

¨      The mediation coordinator contacts the parties to determine whether both parties are interested in mediation as well as to explain mediation and answer any questions;

 

¨      If both parties agree, a meeting is scheduled within a few weeks;

 

¨      If the complaint is resolved, the mediator drafts the settlement agreement that day for both parties’ signature.

 

The Iowa Civil Rights Commission uses volunteer mediators who are usually experienced attorneys as well as highly trained staff members to act as neutral and impartial mediators.

 

¨      Approach mediation in good faith and with an open mind with realistic expectations regarding the possible outcome of your case;

 

¨      Willing to listen to the other side;

 

¨      Participate in the mediation;

 

¨      Try to settle the dispute with the assistance of the mediator.

 

 

MEDIATION

The mediator does not have authority to decide who prevails but acts as a facilitator.

 

 

INVESTIGATION

The purpose is to determine if there is sufficient evidence to prove that discrimination has occurred.

¨      Mediation is available at no cost to the parties.

 

¨      Mediation is a faster way to resolve your case than litigation or further investigation. A mediation conference can be scheduled soon after the complaint has been screened in.

 

¨      Mediation gives both sides the chance to be heard and give their side of the story. It also allows each side the opportunity to work toward a resolution.

 

¨      Each side can settle the complaint at a mediation conference that will close the case at the Iowa Civil Rights Commission.

 

¨      It’s a Win/Win solution for everyone – there are no losers.

 

¨      Mediation is confidential. Information shared at the conference will not be shared with anyone else.

The complaint is forwarded to investigations for assignment to an investigator.

 

For further information contact:

IOWA CIVIL RIGHTS COMMISSION

Grimes State Office Building

400 E. 14^th Street

DES MOINES, IOWA 50319

 

Mediation Coordinator

Heidi Johnson

 

Phone: (515) 281-4437

Fax: (515) 242-5840

Email:Heidi.N.Johnson@iowa.gov

 

MONDAY – FRIDAY

Office Hours 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Excludes Holidays

 

 

MEDIATION

 

Free

 

Fast

 

Confidential

 

Everyone WINS!