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What's New
At the Iowa Civil Rights Commission?
INTERNAL MEDIATION PROGRAM

The Iowa Civil Rights Commission (ICRC) is about to embark on a new adventure. ICRC is in the process of instituting a New Internal Mediation Program as part of our early resolution efforts.

Mediation is a form of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) that takes place after a complaint has been considered screened in, or accepted for investigation, at ICRC. It is a fair, neutral, and confidential process. ICRC currently has a Volunteer Mediation Program that has been successful since its implementation in 1993. A total of 993 cases have been assigned to volunteer attorneys for mediation. In 225 cases successful settlements have been reached, 31 right-to-sues have been issued and three (3) complaints withdrew.

ADR has also been successful with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) since its implementation in 1999. According to an EEOC survey, "Over 90% of employers and employees who used Mediation would definitely do so again!" EEOC has resolved a cumulative total of 11,600 private sector charges and obtained monetary benefits of over $150 million for complainants through the mediation process. An evaluation of the EEOC Mediation Program showed 91% in favor of mediation as an alternative on the complainant's side, and 96% in favor on the respondent's side.

The New Internal Mediation Program involves internal specialists bringing the parties together in an informal setting to resolve their dispute. The specialist is neutral, confidential and will not decide the dispute. The process is not part of ICRC's investigation and it is strictly voluntary.

There are several advantages to mediation and we want to share them with you:
  • it's free
  • it's fast - shorter than full investigation
  • it helps the parties put it behind them quickly
  • it gives both parties the chance to be heard and give their side of the story
  • it allows the parties to hear each other's concerns and work toward a resolution
  • successful mediation results in settlement and closure of the file

If no settlement is reached through mediation, ICRC will investigate the charge. If you filed a complaint of discrimination with ICRC, or if a complaint has been filed against you, your company or organization, and you wish to consider mediation, please call Sally Goode at (515) 281-8084 or (800) 457-4416, extension 1-8084, or e-mail at