The Indiana Civil Rights Commission is tasked with accepting and investigating complaints of discrimination under the Indiana Civil Rights Law and the Indiana Fair Housing Act. After a neutral investigation is completed, the Director of the Indiana Civil Rights Commission will determine if there is cause to believe that an unlawful, discriminatory practice occurred. While a cause finding is not the same as winning a case, it start the formal process of moving an administrative hearing. Liability is only attached to the responding party if a final order in favor of the complaining party is issued by the Commission or by a court.
Probable cause findings are issued under the Indiana Civil Rights Law, and reasonable cause findings are issued under the Indiana Fair Housing Act. A finding of cause under either law means that the Indiana Civil Rights Commission has concluded its preliminary investigation and determined there is sufficient evidence to support reasonable suspicion that the Indiana Civil Rights Law has been violated.