Fighting for Your Civil Rights in Michigan
The right to be free from discrimination and to have your fundamental constitutional rights respected is the bedrock of a just society. When those rights are violated - whether by an employer, a landlord, or the government itself - the experience is not only illegal but deeply personal and damaging. The Law Offices of Mitchell S. Bisson is passionately committed to defending the civil rights of individuals in Grand Rapids and across Michigan. We aggressively pursue justice for victims of discrimination and government overreach, holding powerful entities accountable for their unlawful actions.
Vindicating Your Rights Under State and Federal Law
Our civil rights practice is dedicated to fighting injustice in all its forms. We represent clients in cases involving:
Employment Discrimination
Unlawful treatment based on race, sex, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, and other protected classes.
Housing Discrimination
Being denied the opportunity to rent or buy a home because of your protected status under state and federal fair housing laws.
Police Misconduct & Excessive Force
Holding law enforcement accountable for brutality, false arrest, illegal searches, and other constitutional violations under 42 U.S.C. § 1983.
Violations of Constitutional Rights
Protecting freedoms of speech, due process, and equal protection under the law for all citizens.
Disability Discrimination
Ensuring individuals with disabilities receive the reasonable accommodations they are entitled to in employment and public life under the PWDCRA and ADA.
Sexual Harassment
Fighting for individuals who have been subjected to unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or a hostile work environment.
Your Protections Under Michigan Law
Michigan has strong laws designed to protect the civil rights of its citizens. Understanding these laws is the first step in defending your rights.
The Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act (ELCRA)
First passed in 1976, ELCRA is Michigan's primary anti-discrimination law. It prohibits discrimination in employment, housing, education, and public accommodations based on religion, race, color, national origin, age, sex, height, weight, familial status, or marital status. In a historic 2023 amendment, ELCRA's protections were officially and explicitly expanded to include sexual orientation and gender identity or expression, codifying critical rights for LGBTQ+ Michiganders.
The Persons with Disabilities Civil Rights Act
This 1976 act specifically defines and protects the civil rights of people with disabilities in Michigan. It guarantees the right to employment, housing, and access to public services and accommodations without discrimination. A key component of the PWDCRA is the requirement for employers and public entities to provide "reasonable accommodations" for qualified individuals with disabilities, unless doing so would impose an undue hardship on the organization.
Section 1983 Lawsuits
In addition to state laws, a powerful federal law known as 42 U.S.C. § 1983 allows individuals to file a lawsuit in federal court against state or local government officials (such as police officers or municipalities) who have violated their rights under the U.S. Constitution. This is a primary legal tool for litigating cases of police misconduct, excessive force, and wrongful arrest.
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Common Legal Questions (FAQs)
What is considered "sexual harassment" under ELCRA?
ELCRA defines sexual harassment to include unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when: (1) submission is a condition of employment, (2) submission or rejection is used as a factor in employment decisions, or (3) the conduct has the purpose or effect of creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work environment.
My employer fired me shortly after I turned 50. Do I have a case for age discrimination?
You may. ELCRA protects employees from discrimination based on age. While an employer can fire an older worker for legitimate, non-discriminatory reasons (like poor performance), you may have a strong claim if you can show that your age was a determining factor in the decision. Evidence could include age-related comments by supervisors or a pattern of replacing older workers with younger ones.
What is a "reasonable accommodation" for a disability under the Persons with Disabilities Civil Rights Act (PWDCRA)?
A reasonable accommodation is a modification or adjustment to a job, the work environment, or the way things are usually done that enables a qualified individual with a disability to perform the essential functions of that job. Examples include modifying work schedules, restructuring job duties, providing specialized equipment, or allowing for a short-term leave of absence.
How do I prove I was a victim of discrimination?
Discrimination cases can be proven through direct evidence (e.g., a manager making a discriminatory statement) or, more commonly, through circumstantial evidence. This often involves a legal framework where you show that: (1) you are a member of a protected class, (2) you were qualified for the position or housing, (3) you suffered an adverse action (like being fired or denied housing), and (4) similarly situated individuals outside your protected class were treated more favorably.