Cambridge Code of Ordinances ch. 2.76 § 2.76.150

A. Any person or class of persons claiming to be aggrieved by an alleged violation of this chapter may make, sign and file with the Commission a verified complaint in writing which shall state the name and address of the person alleged to have committed such violation and the particulars and other such information as may be required by the Commission. The Commission may also on its own motion issue a complaint, whenever it has reason to believe that any person has engaged in an unlawful practice in violation of this chapter.
B. No complaint shall be considered unless it is filed within one hundred eighty days after the occurrence of the alleged unlawful practice, or unless it has been referred to the Commission by the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission after having been timely filed with either or both agencies.
C. The filing of a complaint, the failure to file a complaint, or the dismissal of a complaint by the Commission shall not bar the complainant from seeking relief in any other administrative or judicial forum. Nor shall filing or failing to file a complaint with other federal, State or City agencies or courts bar the complainant from seeking relief through the Commission.
D. After the filing of any complaint, the Executive Director shall designate an Investigating Officer to oversee a prompt investigation under the direction of the Executive Director and with the assistance of the staff of the Commission.
E. If such Executive Director determines after such investigation that no probable cause exists for crediting the allegations of the complaint, they shall promptly file a report of such findings with the Commission. One or more Reviewing Commissioner(s) designated by the Chair of the Commission shall review and sign the final investigative report. Once signed by the Reviewing Commissioner(s), the report, the findings of fact and determination contained therein shall become the findings and determination of the Commission.
F. If the Executive Director determines after such investigations that probable cause does exist for crediting the allegations of the complaint or if the Commission so determines, notwithstanding a negative report from the Executive Director, the Commission shall forthwith endeavor by conference, conciliation and persuasion to eliminate the unlawful practice. The Commission and its staff shall not disclose what has occurred in the course of such endeavors except to disclose the terms of conciliation when the complaint has been disposed of in this manner.
G. In the case of failure to eliminate an alleged unlawful practice by the process of mediation or after ninety days have passed from commencement of mediation, or if probable cause exists that a conciliation agreement has been violated, the Commission shall issue and serve in its name a written notice, together with a copy of the complaint, requiring the person named in the complaint (hereinafter called the "respondent") to answer the charges of the complaint at a hearing of the Commission at a reasonable time and place specified in such notice. The respondent may file a written verified answer to the complaint and appear at such hearing in person, with or without counsel, and submit testimony. The Commission may designate a staff member to present evidence on behalf of the complainant or may permit the complainant to do so themself or by counsel. The Commission shall not be bound by the strict rules of evidence prevailing in the courts. The testimony taken at the hearing shall be under oath and recorded, and shall be transcribed at the request of any party.
H. If, upon all the evidence, the Commission shall find that a respondent has not engaged in any unlawful practice or violation of this chapter, the Commission shall state its findings of fact and shall issue and cause to be served on the complainant an order dismissing the complaint as to such respondent.
I. If, upon all the evidence, the Commission shall find that a respondent has engaged in any unlawful practice or violation of this chapter, the Commission shall state its findings of fact and shall forthwith seek relief through one or more of the following actions:
1. File a criminal complaint against the respondent in the Cambridge District Court or in the district court for the judicial district in which the respondent resides, seeking fines of up to three hundred dollars, or the maximum under State law, for each such violation;
2. Levy a civil fine of up to three hundred dollars for each such violation. Each day of any violation of this Ordinance shall constitute a separate offense. Any such penalty or penalties shall be enforced through non-criminal disposition as set forth in G.L. c. 40 § 21D;
3. File a complaint against the respondent in Superior Court seeking injunctive relief, including a temporary restraining order; or
4. File a complaint against the respondent in a court of appropriate jurisdiction seeking the award to the complainant of damages, expenses, punitive damages and other relief, as appropriate.
J. The Commission may be represented in court by the City Solicitor.
K. It shall be a crime punishable by a fine of not more than three hundred dollars, or the maximum under State law, per violation to commit any unlawful practice under this section and Sections 2.76.110 , 2.76.120 and 2.76.130 of this chapter.