Mich. Comp. Laws § § 37.2602
Department; powers and duties generally.
Operative Text
Sec. 602. The department shall: (a) Be responsible to the executive director, who shall be the principal executive officer of the department and shall be responsible for executing the policies of the commission. (b) Appoint necessary employees and agents and fix their compensation in accordance with civil service rules. The attorney general shall appear for and represent the department or the commission in a court having jurisdiction of a matter under this act. (c) Receive, initiate, investigate, conciliate, adjust, dispose of, issue charges, and hold hearings on complaints alleging a violation of this act, and approve or disapprove plans to correct past discriminatory practices which have caused or resulted in a denial of equal opportunity with respect to groups or persons protected by this act. (d) Require answers to interrogatories, order the submission of books, papers, records, and other materials pertinent to a complaint, and require the attendance of witnesses, administer oaths, take testimony, and compel, through court authorization, compliance with its orders or an order of the commission. (e) Cooperate or contract with persons and state, local, and other agencies, both public and private, including agencies of the federal government and of other states. (f) Monitor the awarding and execution of contracts to ensure compliance by a contractor or a subcontractor with a covenant entered into or to be entered into pursuant to section 209.
Michigan Civil Rights Act § 37.2602 establishes the core administrative powers and duties of the Michigan Department of Civil Rights. The department is authorized to receive and investigate discrimination complaints, hold hearings, issue charges, and compel compliance through the courts. It may also gather evidence through interrogatories, subpoenas, and witness testimony, and it can cooperate with other public and private agencies to carry out its civil rights mandate.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under MCL § 37.2602, the Michigan Department of Civil Rights has broad authority to investigate complaints of discriminatory practices in housing and other covered areas. Operators who receive a complaint or inquiry from the department are generally expected to respond to interrogatories, produce requested records, and cooperate with any conciliation or adjustment process. Compliant operators typically maintain documentation of their policies and practices so they can demonstrate adherence to the act if the department initiates a review.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
MCL § 37.2602 gives the Michigan Department of Civil Rights the power to receive, investigate, and act on complaints alleging violations of the state's civil rights law, including housing discrimination. Tenants who believe their rights have been violated may file a complaint with the department, which can then investigate, attempt conciliation, and pursue formal charges if warranted. Tenant-rights organizations and legal aid offices can help individuals understand how the department's complaint and hearing process works under this provision.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 13, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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