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D.C. Municipal Regulations (Last Updated: September 13, 2017) |
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Title 4. HUMAN RIGHTS AND RELATIONS |
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Chapter 4-1. COMPLAINTS OF DISCRIMINATION IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA GOVERNMENT |
Section 4-109. MEDIATION
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109.1After a complaint has been properly filed, the complainant and respondent shall attend a mandatory mediation session that shall be held on a mutually agreed upon date or a date specified by the Director.
109.2A mediator shall be appointed by the Director from a list of individuals qualified in alternative dispute resolution.
109.3Prior to beginning the mediation session, the mediator shall require both parties and their representatives to sign an agreement that all aspects of the mediation shall be kept confidential. OHR shall maintain exclusive control over the agreement and all other documents directly related to the mediation.
109.4No aspect of the mediation shall become a part of the investigative record, and the mediator shall not be called as a witness in any later proceeding between the parties.
109.5During the mediation, the parties shall discuss the issues in the complaint in an effort to reach an agreement that satisfies the interests of all parties.
109.6The parties shall have forty-five (45) days after the date of the initial mediation session within which to reach an agreement. If an agreement is reached, the terms and conditions of the agreement shall control resolution of the complaint.
109.7If an agreement is reached by the parties, the case shall be administratively dismissed by OHR with prejudice.
109.8If an agreement is not reached within the forty-five (45) day period, OHR shall initiate an investigation of the complaint, unless the parties request an extension of the mediation period.
109.9 OHR may initiate an investigation before the conclusion of the mediation proceedings. If the parties are finalizing a settlement agreement, the respondent may request an extension of time in which to file an answer.