The Minnesota Department of Human Rights (MDHR) announced last month that it is requiring mediation for every charge of discrimination filed with the Department. Previously, the MDHR only offered mediation for early resolution when both parties agreed.

The MDHR's new policy requires the parties to mediate after the employer files its response to the charge, but before any investigation begins. The mediations will take place at the Bureau of Mediation Services and the service will be free to the parties.