Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination
Data Current as of:  8/6/2010

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Web Site:

www.mass.gov/mcad

Organization Chart

Mission:

The Commission serves to eliminate discrimination on a variety of bases and in a number of areas, as required by statute, and strives to protect and advance the civil rights of the people of the Commonwealth through law enforcement, education, outreach, and training.

The MCAD's duties are:
-To investigate complaints alleging that anyone in the Commonwealth is or has been deprived of his/her civil rights, or otherwise discriminated against in the areas of housing, employment, public accommodations, admission into an educational institution, on the basis of criminal record, maternity status of a female parent and issues involving the Commonwealth's lead paint statute;
-To adjudicate complaints where after a finding of probable cause that anyone in the Commonwealth is or has been deprived of his/her civil rights, or otherwise has been a victim of discrimination;
-To assist parties in reaching resolution of any dispute where it is alleged that anyone in the Commonwealth is or has been deprived of his/her civil rights, or otherwise has been a victim of discrimination, if such resolution meets the public interest;
-To study and collect information relating to discrimination within the Commonwealth;
-To analyze laws and policies of the Commonwealth and its subdivisions with respect to discrimination;
-To serve as a conduit and clearinghouse for information regarding discrimination within the Commonwealth;
-To submit reports, findings, and recommendations to the Governor and the Legislature of the Commonwealth;
-To train, educate and otherwise conduct outreach to individuals, businesses, organizations, communities, governmental entities, and others regarding civil rights laws and matters of civil right law enforcement and to discourage discrimination.

Governing Laws:

Statutes

MGL C. 6 S. 56

Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination

MGL C. 151B S. 1-10

Unlawful Discrimination Because of Race, Color, Religious Creed, National Origin, Ancestry or Sex

MGL C. 151C S. 1-5

Fair Educational Practices

MGL C. 149 S. 105D

Mass. Maternity Leave Act

MGL C. 272 S. 98&98A

Public Accommodations