Jurisdiction Chart: How the Human Rights Act Protects Everyone in Minnesota
The Minnesota Department of Human Rights (MDHR) has jurisdiction to investigate discrimination only if it happens because of a protected class reason. There are limited exceptions to some provisions of the Act, and not every class is protected in each area. For example, a restaurant can offer special discounts to senior citizens because age is not a protected class in public accommodations.
Print a PDF of the MDHR jurisdiction chart (260kb).
| PROTECTED CLASSES | PROTECTED AREAS |
|---|---|
| RACE | Employment, housing, public accommodations, public services, education, credit services, business |
| COLOR | Employment, housing, public accommodations, public services, education, credit services, business |
| CREED | Employment, housing, public accommodations, public services, education, credit services |
| RELIGION | Employment, housing, public accommodations, public services, education, credit services |
| NATIONAL ORIGIN | Employment, housing, public accommodations, public services, education, credit services, business |
| SEX | Employment, housing, public accommodations, public services, education, credit services, business |
| MARITAL STATUS | Employment, housing, public accommodations, education, and credit services. |
| DISABILITY | Employment, housing, public accommodations, public services, education, credit services, business |
| PUBLIC ASSISTANCE | Employment, housing, public services, education, credit services |
| AGE | Employment, education |
| SEXUAL ORIENTATION | Employment, housing, public accommodations, public services, education, credit services, business |
| FAMILIAL STATUS | Housing |
| LOCAL HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION ACTIVITY | Employment |
Other prohibited Practices
Aiding/Abetting and Obstruction: The Act prohibits a person from aiding in a violation of the Minnesota Human Rights Act (MHRA), coercing a person to violate the law, obstructing a person's compliance with the Act, or interfering with the department's performance of its duties.
Reprisal: The Act prohibits reprisal of retaliation because a person opposed a practice forbidden by the MHRA, filed a charge or participated in a matter brought under the Act; or because a person associated with a person or group of persons who are disabled or of a different race, color, creed, religion, sexual orientation, or national origin.
