Learn about the Attorney General’s Civil Rights Division

The Attorney General’s Civil Rights Division responds to complaints related to civil rights and civil liberties. The office takes enforcement action when necessary and can mediate disputes.

The Attorney General’s Civil Rights Division provides information to residents and visitors in Massachusetts about civil rights and civil liberties, including answering questions from the public directly, making referrals to other organizations or government agencies, and offering information to assist residents in locating an attorney.

The division accepts and reviews complaints alleging civil rights violations and brings enforcement actions under state and federal laws that prohibit discrimination in employment, housing, financial services, public education, and public accommodation on the basis of disability, race, national origin, gender, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, veteran or marital status, and receipt of public assistance.

The division enforces the Massachusetts Civil Rights Act by obtaining civil rights injunctions to protect victims of bias-motivated threats, intimidation, coercion and violence and advocates for civil rights and civil liberties by reviewing policy and legislation and filing amicus briefs in civil rights cases.