DISCRIMINATION IN PUBLIC ACCOMODATIONSWhat you need to know

The Indiana Civil Rights Commissionenforces the Indiana civil rights laws andprovides education and outreach to thepublic in an effort to ensure equalopportunity for all Hoosiers and visitorsto the State of Indiana.

We are a state government agency charged withenforcing the Indiana civil rights law. We alsoprovide education and outreach to the public inan effort to ensure equal opportunity for allwho live, work, and play in the state of Indiana.

Discrimination is the prejudicial treatment of anindividual based on their membership – or perceivedmembership– in a certain group or category. It involvesthe actual behavior towards groups such as excluding orrestricting members of one group.

Treating someone differently or unfairlybecause of their protected class.

It is against the law for an individual to be denied access or to receive poor service or lesser quality accommodations because of the following protected classes:

RaceColorNational originAncestryReligionSexFamilial status (having children under 18); and

Disability

If you have been treated unfairly ordifferently because of your protected class,you may have faced discrimination.

EmploymentHousingPublic AccommodationCreditEducation

Places of “public accommodation” includeany establishment or place to which thepublic is invited or which is intended forpublic use.

The Indiana Civil Rights Law establishes thatequal access to and use of publicaccommodations are civil rights. IC 22-9-1-2

hotels, restaurants, bars, gas stations, casinos,theaters, retail stores, banks, barber/beautyshops, hospitals/clinics,offices of accountants, lawyers, doctors,insurance agentsairports, bus or train depotsbowling alleys, amusement parks, zoos,stadiums, convention centersparks, health clubs/spas, educationalinstitutions, social service providers

Places of public accommodation may excludeor remove any person whose conduct isdisruptive, offensive or a direct threat to thehealth and safety of others.Businesses may require customers to checkbags at the door and may enforce a dresscode or charge admission fees, so long asthese rules are applied equally to allcustomers and clients.

Service animals may accompany persons withdisabilities and service animals in training mayaccompany their trainers in any place of publicaccommodation. Businesses may not charge a fee ordeposit as a condition for admitting a service animalor a service animal in training.Service animals and service animals in training maybe excluded only if the animal is out of control andthe person accompanying it fails to take effectiveaction to control the animal, or if the animal posesa direct threat to the health and safety of others.

When a person is not given full and equalaccess to the goods and services beingoffered.When a person is refused entry, participationor services because of one of the protectedclasses.

Do not target a specific race or ethnic group;Do not intentionally impinge upon a religiouspractice;Do not impose a requirement based on a culturalgroup or national origin;Do not impose requirements based on sex;Should not enforce quotas or ratios based on anyof the above.

• Any person who feels they have been denied rightsunder the civil rights laws, or faced illegaldiscrimination, may file a complaint with theICRC.

• The process can start in person, by phone, fax,mail or by completing the on-line inquiry form onour website.

• The Complaint must be filed within 180 daysfrom the date when the discriminatory actoccurred.

The Indiana Civil Rights Commission ishere to ensure equal opportunities for allpeople who live, work, and play in Indianathrough:

EnforcementEducation and Outreach

Our services are free

Indiana Civil Rights Commission100 North Senate Avenue, Room N300

Indianapolis, Indiana 46204(317) 232-2600(800) 628-2909

http://www.in.gov/icrc