Michigan Department of Civil Rights

08/28/2026

Knowing your rights is an important part of preparing to vote. Throughout this campaign, we’ll share information about accessible voting, language assistance, voting rights for
students and returning citizens, and the different ways Michiganders can cast their ballots.

Follow along and visit Michigan.gov/vote for official election information.

08/27/2026

Meet Our Speakers: Before the Rabbit Hole: Upstream Approaches to Preventing Online Hate

Session Spotlight:
Bryce Kobe, State Program Manager for PERIL's Community Advisory, Resource, and Education (CARE) program.

This workshop explores a public health-informed approach to preventing online manipulation, radicalization, and hate-fueled violence through practical, upstream strategies that give communities the tools to build resilience.

September 1st, 8am-3pm, E. Lansing, MI, we can't wait to see you there!

08/27/2026

Join the Michigan Disability Rights Coalition for The Fourth Trimester: Disability-Inclusive Postpartum Care, a conversation about creating more equitable postpartum support for disabled birthing people, including those from multiply marginalized communities.

📅 Wednesday, September 2
⏰ 12–1:30 p.m. ET
💻 Online via Zoom
♿ ASL interpretation and CART captioning provided

Hear from doulas, disability advocates and a lactation support organization about:

• Accessible postpartum support
• Disability-inclusive care
• Lactation and feeding support
• Mental health
• Strategies for building services that center disability justice and racial equity

Whether you work in maternal health, provide postpartum support, advocate alongside disabled people, or want to help make care more inclusive, we hope you’ll join us.

Register: https://LEADINthefourthtrimester.eventbrite.com

This event is part of MDRC’s LEAD-IN Program and is funded by the Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council.

[Image Description: Peach-colored event graphic for “The Fourth Trimester: Disability-Inclusive Postpartum Care,” featuring an illustration of a disabled parent holding a baby. The event is Wednesday, September 2, from 12–1:30 p.m. ET on Zoom. ASL interpretation and CART captioning are provided.]

08/26/2026

Voting is a civil right. From registering, to receiving a ballot in your primary language, to casting your vote privately and independently, every eligible Michigan voter is entitled to equitable access to the polls. Over the next several weeks, MDCR will share nonpartisan information to help you understand your rights and prepare to vote. Learn more at Michigan.gov/vote

08/26/2026

Happy Women's Equality Day from MDCR! This day commemorates the certification of the 19th amendment, which prohibited denying the right to vote on the basis of s*x.

Today, federal and Michigan laws provide additional civil rights protections. The Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act (ELCRA) prohibits discrimination based on s*x in areas including employment, housing, education, and public accommodations.

Learn more about your rights and protections by visiting Michigan.gov/mdcr

08/25/2026

We’re excited to welcome Attorney John V. Elmore to the MI Response to Hate conference

During this plenary we will examine how social media algorithms and the gun industry contribute to the rise in mass shootings, and how intentional acts of kindness, digital responsibility, and community awareness can help disrupt these pathways to violence.

Drawing on lived experience and legal advocacy, Mr. Elmore highlights how online hate spreads, how vulnerable individuals become radicalized, and how communities can respond with unity, empathy, and action. Participants will gain insight into recognizing harmful online patterns, promoting safer digital spaces, and using kindness as a counterforce to hate, both online and in everyday life.

08/25/2026

Welcome to the Civil Rights 101 series with MDCR. Knowing your rights is the first step to protecting them. This is your 101 Guide to Fair Housing.

Know Your Rights When Renting, Buying, Financing or Insuring a Home.

State and/or federal laws prohibit housing discrimination on the basis of:
• Race or Color
• Religion
• Familial status
• National origin
• S*x
• Disability
• Age
• Marital status
• Source of Income

The Michigan Department of Civil Rights (MDCR) enforces fair housing laws to prevent housing discrimination.

Fair housing laws protect your rights when you...
• View or purchase a home.
• View or rent an apartment or other living facility.
• Obtain financing, such as a mortgage or home improvement loan.
• Insure your home or apartment.

They also ban discrimination in:
• Terms and conditions for buying or renting a home.
• Advertising and marketing housing.
• Providing housing services.

State and federal laws also prohibit:
• Steering: directing renters or home buyers to particular neighborhoods based on race or ethnicity.
• Predatory lending: marketing less favorable home loans to persons based on a protected characteristic.
• It is unlawful to retaliate against a person for filing a civil rights complaint or being a witness in a civil rights investigation.

You can file a complaint with the MDCR within 180 days of an incident by calling 800-482-3604 or visiting the MDCR Public Portal: https://ow.ly/nOjl50ZB5GI

08/24/2026

You're invited to the The Division on Deaf, Deaf Blind, and Hard of Hearing Advisory Council Meeting

Saturday, October 3
10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
MSUFCU Headquarters 1 – Community Room
3777 West Rd., East Lansing, MI 48823

Individuals who have accommodation requests should contact Emma Heisey at [email protected] by September 15.

Meeting locations/times to be determined by DODDBHH.

Learn more: https://ow.ly/HlUm50ZB3tH

08/24/2026

08/21/2026

Join us for the Michigan Qualified Interpreter Program, Preparing for the BEI Basic Evaluation with Michigan Licensing and Regulatory Affairs

📅Friday, September 25, 2026,
🕒 9 AM - 4 PM
📍Online : mi.gov/QualifiedInterpreters

This all-day workshop will begin with a brief overview of the BEI Basic test, including the test development process as well as expectations for the section, rater qualifications and the scoring process.

In the afternoon there will be opportunities for hands-on deliberate practice in both individual and group activities. Strategies to prepare for testing will be shared. For students, interns, pre-certified interpreters and others wanting to learn about the BEI Basic. Limit 30 participants.

Register Today: Micivilrights.s.gy/cPPwoz
Learn more about the event: https://ow.ly/bJOT50ZB2eb